Author Archives: Scott

Jane Spencer, Baroness Churchill, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

photographed in Darmstadt, 1862. source: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2906937

Jane Spencer, Baroness Churchill

Jane Spencer, Baroness Churchill, a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1854 until 1900, was the longest-serving member of Queen Victoria’s household. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time. She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence. A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

Born Lady Jane Conyngham on June 1, 1826, she was the eldest daughter of Francis Conyngham, Earl of Mount Charles (later 2nd Marquess Conyngham) and Lady Jane Paget, and had five siblings:

Lord Conyngham (left) paying homage to the new Queen Victoria, along with the Archbishop of Canterbury. source: Wikipedia

Royal service was quite common in Jane’s family. Her father, Francis, had served as a Page of Honour to the future King George IV, and later served as Groom of the Bedchamber and Master of the Robes to King George IV between 1820 and 1830. He later served as Lord Chamberlain of the Household to both King William IV and Queen Victoria from 1835 until 1839. It was Francis, accompanied by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who arrived at Kensington Palace in the early morning of June 20, 1837 to inform Victoria that she was now Queen. He was the first person to address the young Victoria as “Your Majesty”.

Elizabeth, Countess Conyngham, 1801 portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence. source: Wikipedia

Jane’s paternal grandmother, The Marchioness of Conyngham (born Elizabeth Denison), was the longtime mistress of King George IV and wielded a great amount of power in the royal court. Upon the King’s death in 1830, he bequeathed all of his plate and jewellery to Elizabeth, but she refused it. Elizabeth was banned from court during the reigns of King William IV and Queen Victoria. Her husband, the 1st Marquess of Conyngham was made a member of the Privy Council and served as Lord Steward of the Household from 1821 until 1830. He was also appointed Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle in 1829, serving until his death three years later.

Lord Alfred Henry Paget by Southwell Brothers, albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s. source: National Portrait Gallery NPG x46527

On her maternal side, her mother’s half-brother was Lord Alfred Paget, who served as Chief Equerry and Clerk Marshal to Queen Victoria from July 1846 to March 1852, December 1852 to March 1858, and June 1859 to August 1874. At that time he retired as Chief Equerry but remained Clerk Marshal until his death in 1888.

Alfred’s daughter, Evelyn Cecilia Paget (Jane’s cousin), served as a Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria from 1874 until 1894. Another of Jane’s cousins, The Hon. Ethel Cadogan, also served as an Extra Maid of Honour from 1876-1880, Maid of Honour from 1880-1897, and Woman of the Bedchamber from 1897 until 1901.

Henry Paget, 2nd Marquess of Anglesey by Camille Silvy, albumen carte-de-visite, 23 July 1861. source: National Portrait Gallery, NPG Ax7420

Another of her mother’s brothers was Henry Paget, Earl of Uxbridge (later 2nd Marquess of Anglesey), who served as a Lord in Waiting to The Queen from 1837 to 1839, and then as Lord Chamberlain of the Household from 1839 to 1841 (succeeding Jane’s father).

Lady Adelaide Cadogan (née Paget) by Camille Silvy. albumen print, 22 June 1863. source: National Portrait Gallery, NP Ax63220

Her mother’s half-sister, Lady Adelaide Paget, served as one of the train bearers at Queen Victoria’s Coronation in 1838. And one of her mother’s first cousins, Lady Matilda Paget, was a Maid of Honour to The Queen from 1837 until 1855.

Henry William Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, attributed to George Dawe, oil on canvas, c1817. source: National Portrait Gallery, NPG 1581

Her maternal grandfather, Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, served as Lord High Steward of England at the coronation of King George IV in 1821; Master-General of the Ordnance from 1827-1828 and 1846-1852; and twice served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, from 18281-1829 and 1830-1833.

Francis George Spencer, 2nd Baron Churchill by Southwell Brothers albumen carte-de-visite, 1862-1863. source: National Portrait Gallery, NPG Ax7435

On May 19, 1849, Jane married Francis Spencer, 2nd Baron Churchill, at Bifrons Park in Patrixbourne, Kent. He was the son of Francis Spencer, 1st Baron Churchill and Lady Frances FitzRoy. The couple had one son:

Jane was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber in 1854, and quickly became one of Queen Victoria’s most trusted confidantes. She was so trusted that in 1858, The Queen asked Jane to accompany The Princess Royal to Berlin following her marriage to Prince Friedrich of Prussia (later Emperor Friedrich III), to help the Princess acclimate to her new home and also to provide The Queen with detailed observations about life in the Prussian court. Lady Jane spent several weeks there before returning to Britain.

Jane’s influence with the Queen became stronger following the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The Queen, no longer wanting to deal directly with many in her household, often used Jane to pass notes and requests to her staff and courtiers. Her devotion to the Queen was without question, and she was deemed by many as being the most influential and powerful people in Queen Victoria’s inner circle. While this occasionally ruffled feathers with some members of the household, most found her to be a very kind and caring person who put the needs and wishes of The Queen above all others.

Osborne House. photo: by WyrdLight.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12766661

Widowed in 1886, Jane remained at The Queen’s side for the rest of her life. On Christmas Eve 1900, The Dowager Baroness Churchill died in her sleep in her room at Osborne House, after over 45 years of service, companionship, and friendship to Queen Victoria. She was buried several days later in Finstock, Oxfordshire. The Queen was not told of her death immediately, as her doctors felt the news would be devastating to her already weakened health. Once told, she was heartbroken, and sent a wreath for Jane’s funeral with a handwritten note – “A mark of most loving affection and grateful remembrance from her devoted friend, Victoria, R.I.” Less than a month later, The Queen also passed away at Osborne House.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Jane Loftus, Marchioness of Ely, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

painting by Charles-Lucien-Louis Muller, 1856. source: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 404891

Jane Loftus, Marchioness of Ely

Jane Loftus, Marchioness of Ely was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1851 until 1889. She then served as an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber until her death in 1890. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time. She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence. A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

Born Jane Hope-Vere on December 3, 1821 to James Hope-Vere and Lady Elizabeth Hay, a daughter of the 7th Marquess of Tweeddale. Jane had seven siblings:

  • Hannah Hope-Vere – married Keith Stewart-Mackenzie, had issue
  • Sophia Hope-Vere – unmarried
  • Henrietta Hope-Vere – unmarried
  • Harriet Hope-Vere – married (1) Sir Edward Gooch, 6th Baronet, had issue; (2) Major John St. Leger, no issue
  • William Hope-Vere – married Lady Mary Boyle, had issue
  • Charles Hope-Vere – married Julia Craigie-Halkett, no issue
  • Georgina Hope-Vere – married (1855) Charles Wilson, had issue

Through her mother, Jane was a first cousin of Elizabeth (Hay) Wellesley, Duchess of Wellington, who served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1843-1858, and as Mistress of the Robes from 1861-1868, and again from 1874-1880.

Her maternal grandparents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Tweeddale had traveled to Europe in 1802 when the Marquess’s health began to decline. In France in 1803, when war began again between France and Britain, the couple were taken into custody with other British subjects and were imprisoned in the Fortress of Verdun. Both the Marchioness and the Marquess died there in May and August 1804, respectively.

On October 29, 1844, Jane married John Loftus, 3rd Marquess of Ely. He was the son of John Loftus, 2nd Marquess of Ely and Anna Maria Dashwood. They had two children:

  • Lady Marion Loftus (c1847) – married (1) George Springfield; (2) Sir James Bourne; (3) James Buchanan; (4) Rev. James Weller
  • John Loftus, 4th Marquess of Ely (1849) – married Caroline Caithness, no issue

While neither of her children served in the royal household, her niece, Adeline Loftus (daughter of her husband’s sister), was a Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria from 1889 until 1892.

The Marchioness of Ely with her son, c1860. photo by John & Charles Watkins. source: National Portrait Gallery NPG x134191

After her marriage, the family spent much of their time at Loftus Hall in County Wexford, Ireland, and also traveled extensively throughout Europe. It was on these travels that Jane developed friendships with Queen Sophie of the Netherlands and the Empress Eugenie of France. Some years later, in 1856, she represented Queen Victoria at the christening of Eugenie’s son, Napoleon, Prince Imperial.

The Marchioness of Ely (right) with Queen Victoria (center), Prince Arthur, and the Hon. Flora MacDonald, on the terrace at Osborne House, August 1854. source: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2906148

In 1851, Jane was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, and quickly became one of the Queen’s most trusted confidantes.  Despite her own misgivings about her suitability for the role, Jane threw herself fully into her responsibilities, often at the expense of her own health and well-being.  After being widowed in 1857, she became even more devoted to The Queen.  And following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, she found herself one of the “gatekeepers” for Victoria, often stepping in to handle issues within the household that The Queen had previously handled in person.  While she often alienated some members of the royal household, others found her useful in getting issues or requests through to The Queen.

After Princess Louise married John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne in 1871, Jane became a more permanent resident of the royal household, living primarily with The Queen in her various residences, and spending less time at her own homes, or with her family.

The Dowager Marchioness of Ely, photographed c1885. source: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2912532

Following the death of her only son in April 1889, Jane resigned her position as Lady of the Bedchamber and was appointed an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber. The Dowager Marchioness of Ely died on June 1, 1890 at her home at 22 Wilton Place in Knightsbridge, London. She is buried beside her husband at Kensal Green Cemetery in London.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Charlotte Canning, Countess Canning, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

Charlotte Canning, Countess Canning; Credit – Wikipedia

Charlotte Canning, Countess Canning was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1842 until 1855. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time.  She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence.  A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

Charlotte was born The Honorable Charlotte Stuart on March 31, 1817 at the British Embassy in Paris, where her father, Sir Charles Stuart (later 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay) was serving as the Ambassador to France. Her mother was Lady Elizabeth Margaret Yorke, a daughter of the 3rd Earl of Hardwicke. Charlotte was named for Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom, who was one of her godparents. She had one younger sister:

Charlotte was raised primarily in France, where her father served as Ambassador to France from 1815-1824 and again from 1828-1830. (He would later serve as Ambassador to Russia from 1841-1844.) The family returned to London in 1831, taking up residence in a newly built home in Carlton House Terrace, along The Mall.

Charles Canning, c1840. source: Wikipedia

Soon after making her debut into society in 1834, Charlotte met The Honorable Charles Canning, son of the late former Prime Minister George Canning and Joan Scott (Viscountess Canning in her own right). When Charles proposed, Charlotte’s father at first refused the proposal, due to his political differences with the late Prime Minister. He soon relented after pressure from Charlotte and the rest of the family. Charlotte and Charles were married on September 5, 1835 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London. They had no children.

The Viscountess Canning (standing) and The Hon. Mary Bulteel, Balmoral, October 1853. source: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2906502

In 1837, her mother-in-law died, and Charlotte’s husband succeeded her as the 2nd Viscount Canning. Several years later, on May 30, 1842, the new Viscountess was appointed a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria. She quickly accepted and relished her position at court. While many other ladies worried that the position would keep them from their children and families, this was not the case for Charlotte. Having no children, she was free to enjoy her position and took great pride in serving the Sovereign.

Old Balmoral Castle from the east, dated September 1848. source: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 919459

The Viscountess accompanied Queen Victoria on many of her travels during her years in waiting, including The Queen’s first visit to Balmoral in September 1848. While there, Charlotte – who shared a love of painting with Queen Victoria, painted the watercolor seen above. It shows the old castle Victoria and Albert leased in 1848 and later purchased in 1852. This building was taken down in 1856, after the construction of the new, larger castle that exists today. Over the years, Charlotte painted many scenes of Balmoral and the surrounding Highlands, as well as the Queen’s other residences and other places she visited. One of Queen Victoria’s favorite paintings was a watercolor of Schloss Rosenau in Coburg, the birthplace of The Prince Consort, which Charlotte painted while accompanying Victoria and Albert there on a visit in 1845.

Government House, Calcutta. photo: By Rangan Datta Wiki – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18107717

After 13 years, Charlotte stepped down when her husband was appointed Governor-General of India. Charlotte and her husband moved to India in 1856, taking up residence Government House in Calcutta. She soon found that she did not enjoy it there, and preferred to spend her time at Government House in nearby Barrackpore, which the Governors-General used as a summer residence. Three years later, following the India Mutiny, her husband was created the first Viceroy of India. At the same time, he was created 1st Earl Canning, with Charlotte becoming Vicereine and Countess Canning.

Unlike her role as Lady of the Bedchamber, Charlotte found little pleasure in her role as the wife of the Governor-General, and later Vicereine. She found herself very isolated, with few friends and social activities. However, at Barrackpore, she found some comfort and enjoyment – relishing in the lush surroundings. There, she pursued her interests in botany and art, creating a large collection of her own paintings of the flora and landscape. Today, her artwork is in numerous museums and collections, including 19 volumes of her drawings – “Drawings of English and Indian Flowers By Lady Canning” – held at Harewood House in England, and two portfolios of her work at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Charlotte Canning (née Stuart) Countess Canning, by Henry Hering, c1860. source: National Portrait Gallery NPG x45082

After serving in India for five years, the Earl and Countess of Canning made plans to return to Britain in January 1862. With Charlotte’s impending return, Queen Victoria appointed her Ranger of Greenwich Park and was greatly looking forward to seeing her dear friend once again. Sadly it was not to happen. Having left Barrackpore, Charlotte made a trip to see Darjeeling one last time before returning to Calcutta to prepare for her trip home. Sadly, having contracted malaria during her trip, the Countess died at Government House in Calcutta on November 18, 1861. She is buried in a small garden on the grounds of Government House in Barrackpore. An elaborate memorial was also constructed in the graveyard of St. John’s Church in Calcutta.

Memorial to Lady Canning, St. John’s Church, Calcutta. photo: By Pdr123 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17414599

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Books
Charlotte Canning: Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria and Wife of the First Viceroy of India, 1817-1861 by Virginia Surtees
Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Emma Portman, Baroness Portman, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

Emma Portman, Baroness Portman, circa 1842; Photo Credit – Wikipedia

Emma Portman, Baroness Portman

Emma Portman, Baroness Portman, served as Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1851, and then as an Extra Lady between 1851 and 1865. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time. She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence. A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

Born Emma Lascelles on March 16, 1809, she was the daughter of Henry Lascelles, 2nd Earl of Harewood and Henrietta Sebright. Emma had ten siblings:

  • Hon. Edward Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles (1796) – married (1) Ann Elizabeth Rosser, no issue; (2) Philippine Munster, no issue
  • Henry Lascelles, 3rd Earl of Harewood (1797) – married Lady Louisa Thynne, had issue
  • William Lascelles (1798) – married Lady Caroline Howard, had issue
  • Hon. Edwin Lascelles (1799) – unmarried
  • Hon. Francis Lascelles (1801) – unmarried
  • Lady Harriet Lascelles (1802) – married George Holroyd, 2nd Earl of Sheffield, had issue
  • Hon. Frederick Lascelles (1803) – unmarried
  • Lady Frances Lascelles (1804) – married John Hope, had issue
  • Hon. Arthur Lascelles (1807) – married Caroline Brooke, had issue
  • Lady Louisa Lascelles (1812) – married Lord George Cavendish, had issue

Emma’s brother William served as Comptroller of the Household from 1847 until 1851. He was married to a sister of Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland. And her brother Henry was married to a sister of Charlotte, Duchess of Buccleuch. Both Duchesses served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria.

Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, by Samuel William Reynolds Jr, published by Thomas Agnew, and published by Ackermann & Co, after Richard Ansdell stipple engraving, published 6 July 1846. source: National Portrait Gallery, NPG D40381

On June 16, 1827, Emma married Edward Portman, the son of Edward Berkeley Portman and Lucy Whitby. He was created Baron Portman of Orchard Portman in January 1837, and would later become 1st Viscount Portman several years after Emma’s death. Their children included:

Emma first met Queen Victoria in 1835 when the young Princess visited Harewood House, the home of Lascelles family. Despite their ten-year age difference, the two began a friendship that would last until Emma’s death. So it was very fitting that shortly after her accession, in June 1837, Victoria wrote to Emma asking her to become one of her Ladies in Waiting. Emma accepted the same day and served from 1837 until 1851. Emma is mentioned often in Queen Victoria’s journals, with the Queen observing that she ‘could be more intimate with her than with any of the others’ – a sign of the close relationship the two held.

Like several of the other ladies at court, Emma became involved in the Flora Hastings scandal, spreading the gossip that Lady Flora was pregnant by Sir John Conroy. After it was discovered to be untrue, and in fact Lady Flora was suffering from cancer, Emma and the others saw their reputations tarnished greatly. But they weathered the storm, and Emma remained a close confidante to The Queen. She stepped down from service in 1851, but was appointed an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber, and held that role until her death.

Emma Portman, Baroness Portman died on February 8, 1865. The Queen recorded the death in her journal, expressing her shock and sadness at the loss of her friend.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria and Governess to the Royal Children

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton; Credit – Wikipedia

Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1837 until 1842 and then became Governess to the Royal Children, serving until 1850. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time. She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence. A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

She was born Lady Sarah Spencer, on July 29, 1787 at Althorp, the seat of the Earls Spencer in Northamptonshire. The eldest daughter, and second child, of George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer and Lady Lavinia Bingham (daughter of the 1st Earl of Lucan), Sarah was raised at Althorp, and Spencer House in London, along with her eight siblings:

Two of Sarah’s brothers also served in Royal Households. Her brother Robert served as Private Secretary and Groom of the Bedchamber to the Duke of Clarence (later King William IV) from 1827 to 1828. Her brother Frederick, the 4th Earl Spencer, served as an Equerry to Queen Victoria’s mother, The Duchess of Kent, from 1840 to 1845 and then Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household from 1846 to 1848 and Lord Steward of the Royal Household from 1854 to 1857.

William Henry Lyttelton, 3rd Baron Lyttelton. source: Wikipedia

On March 4, 1813, Sarah married Sir William Henry Lyttelton, 3rd Baron Lyttelton. He was the son of William Lyttelton, 1st Baron Lyttelton and Caroline Bristow. Sarah and William had five children:

  • The Hon. Caroline Lyttelton (1816) – unmarried
  • George, 4th Baron Lyttelton (1817) – married (1) Mary Glynne, had issue: (2) Sybella Clive, had issue
  • The Hon. Spencer Lyttelton (1818) – married Henrietta Cornewall, had issue
  • The Hon. William Lyttelton (1820) – married (1)Emily Pepys, no issue; (2) Constance York, no issue
  • The Hon. Lavinia Lyttelton (1821) – married Rev. Henry Glynne, had issue

Continuing the tradition of royal service, one of Sarah’s granddaughters, Lady Lucy Lyttelton (daughter of Sarah’s son George, 4th Baron Lyttelton) served as a Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria from 1863 until 1864, when she married Lord Frederick Cavendish.

After 34 years of marriage, Sarah was widowed in April 1837. Just four months later, she was appointed a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria. However, due to her husband’s death, and an appropriate period of mourning, she first took up her duties in October 1838. Although uncertain of her suitability, Sarah soon adjusted to her role and thoroughly enjoyed her time at court. From her letters, she appears to have gotten along well with others in the household, and soon became a favorite of both The Queen and The Prince Consort. It is due to this closeness that she soon found herself in a new position within the Royal Household.

Having struggled to find appropriate people to raise their children, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert asked Sarah to take on the role of Governess to the Royal Children in April 1842. Somewhat reluctantly, she agreed on the condition that she be given the necessary authority to oversee the nursery and her charges. As Governess, she oversaw the nursery staff, as well as the schedules of the children, and the early stages of their education. At the time, there were just two children – The Princess Royal and The Prince of Wales – who quickly became attached to their new governess. She was nicknamed “Laddle” by the young Princess – a name by which the children affectionately called her well into their adult years. Over the next eight years, the nurseries grew to include the first seven of The Queen’s children.

In October 1850, Sarah’s daughter Lavinia died in childbirth, leaving several young children. In December of that year, Lady Lyttelton requested The Queen’s permission to retire, so that she could return to Hagley Hall and help care for her grandchildren. The Queen approved – quite reluctantly – and gave Sarah a very generous pension of £800 per year for the rest of her life.

In January 1851, Sarah returned to her family at Hagley and settled into life as a grandmother. She kept in contact with the Royal Family and occasionally met them at social functions. In January 1858, she was a guest at the wedding of The Princess Royal and Prince Friedrich of Prussia (the future German Emperor Friedrich III). Ten years later, she hosted a visit from the couple at her home in London.

At the age of 82, The Dowager Baroness died at Hagley Hall on April 13, 1870. She is buried in the Lyttelton family plot in the cemetery at St. John the Baptist Church in Hagley.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Books:
Correspondence of Sarah Spencer, Lady Lyttelton 1787-1870 edited by her great-granddaughter, The Hon. Mrs. Hugh Wyndham
Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford; Credit – Wikipedia

Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford was Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1837 until 1841. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time.  She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence.  A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

Born Anna Maria Stanhope, on September 3, 1783, she was the eldest daughter of Charles Stanhope, 3rd Earl of Harrington and Jane Fleming. Anna had ten siblings:

Anna’s mother had served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Charlotte from 1794 until 1818, and her father served as Governor and Constable of Windsor Castle from 1812 until 1829.

Francis Russell, Duke of Bedford; Credit – Wikipedia

On August 8, 1808, at Harrington House in London, Anna married Francis Russell, Marquess of Tavistock (later 7th Duke of Bedford). He was the son of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford and the Hon. Georgiana Byng. The couple had one son:

Anna was appointed a Lady of the Bedchamber in 1837, one of the first eight women appointed to the position by Queen Victoria. At the time, she was the Marchioness of Tavistock but became Duchess of Bedford upon her husband’s accession to the dukedom in 1839. That same year, Anna played a prominent role in the Flora Hastings scandal. Along with Baroness Lehzen, Anna helped to spread the rumor that Flora was pregnant, and named Sir John Conroy as the father. It was Anna who informed Lord Melbourne of the situation and potential scandal. When the truth became known that Flora was not pregnant, Anna’s reputation, along with those of Baroness Lehzen and Queen Victoria, suffered greatly through several public attacks in the media. But her loyalty to and from Queen Victoria remained strong. In 1840, she represented Queen Victoria, serving as chief mourner at the funeral of Princess Augusta, a daughter of King George III. She ended her service in the Royal Household in 1841.

Belvoir Castle. photo: By Jerry Gunner from Lincoln, UK – Belvoir CastleUploaded by Alaniaris, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18154009

Several years later, while visiting the Duke of Rutland at Belvoir Castle, Anna reportedly began the tradition now known as “Afternoon Tea”. Feeling a bit peckish in the mid-afternoon, she began having tea with cakes or sandwiches and then began inviting friends to join her. Much enjoyed, afternoon tea soon became a staple of the British afternoon.

The Duchess of Bedford died in Belgrave Square, London on July 3, 1857, and is buried in the Bedford Chapel at St. Michael’s Church in Chenies, Buckinghamshire.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Louisa McDonnell, Countess of Antrim

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

source: Wikipedia

Louisa McDonnell, Countess of Antrim

Louisa McDonnell, Countess of Antrim, was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1890 until 1901, and briefly served as Acting Mistress of the Robes in 1894. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time. She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence. A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

Born Louisa Jane Grey at St. James’s Palace in London, England on February 15, 1855, she was the daughter of The Honorable Charles Grey and Caroline Farquhar. Louisa had five siblings:

Louisa’s early life was spent very close to the royal circles, as her father served as Private Secretary to Prince Albert from 1849 until the Prince’s death in 1861, and then as Private Secretary to Queen Victoria until his own death in 1870. The family had apartments at St. James’s Palace in London and lived in the Norman Tower at Windsor Castle and Osborne Cottage on the grounds of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, where Louisa grew up as a playmate to several of Queen Victoria’s children. Following her father’s death, her mother became an Extra Woman of the Bedchamber to The Queen and was given permission to retain the family’s apartments at St. James’s Palace. She served until her death in 1890.

Royal and government service was very common in the Grey family. Her grandfather, the 2nd Earl Grey, served as Prime Minister from 1830-1834. Her sister Mary’s husband, the 4th Earl of Minto, served as Governor-General of Canada from 1898-1904, and then Viceroy of India from 1905-1910. Her brother, the 4th Earl Grey, served as Governor-General of Canada from 1904-1911.

Louisa’s cousin, Mary Bulteel, photographed at Osborne House, 1854. photo: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2906545

Her father’s sister, Lady Caroline Barrington, served as a Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1837-1875, as well as Lady Superintendent (governess) to The Queen’s daughters. And her cousin, Mary Bulteel, served as a Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria from 1853-1861, before marrying Sir Henry Ponsonby, who succeeded Louisa’s father as Private Secretary to Queen Victoria in 1870, serving until 1895, and also served as Keeper of the Privy Purse from 1870-1895. Another cousin, Alice, Countess of Morton, later served as an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Alexandra, from 1901-1907.

Embed from Getty Images 

In the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace on June 1, 1875, Louisa married William McDonnell, 6th Earl of Antrim. He was the son of Capt. Mark McDonnell, 5th Earl of Antrim and Jane Macan. They had met at a house party in Scotland just months earlier and were quickly engaged. Louisa and William had three children:

  • Lady Sybil McDonnell (1876-1959) – married Vivian Smith, 1st Baron Bicester, had issue
  • Randal McDonnell, 7th Earl of Antrim (1878-1931) – married Margaret Talbot, had issue
  • Angus McDonnell (1881-1966) – married Ethelwyn Jones, no issue

In September 1890, Louisa received a letter from The Duchess of Buccleuch asking her to consider becoming a Lady of the Bedchamber. After initially declining, she ended up accepting the offer days later and received her formal invitation from Queen Victoria in early October. Due to her mother’s death the following month, and an appropriate period of mourning, Louisa began her service in March 1891. Having grown up in royal circles, Louisa was quickly able to settle into her position. So impressed was The Queen that she assigned Louisa to be the lady-in-waiting for the Empress of Germany during a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress in July 1891.

Queen Victoria and descendants, April 1894, in Coburg. photo: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2905204

Louisa briefly served as Acting Mistress of the Robes, when she accompanied Queen Victoria to Coburg in April 1894 for the wedding of the Queen’s grandchildren – Ernst Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine and Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The position of Mistress had been vacant for several years, as no one would accept the position due to Prime Minister Gladstone’s policy of Home Rule in Ireland. The Dowager Duchess of Atholl and the Duchess of Roxburghe fulfilled the duties during this time, but it was Louisa who was chosen for the trip to Coburg.

Louisa was often chosen to accompany The Queen on her annual holiday in the south of France and joined her on her last foreign trip – to Ireland in 1900. Louisa last saw Queen Victoria in December 1900, taking her final drive with the Queen on December 6th. Later that month, she sailed to Canada to visit her sister and brother-in-law, the Earl and Countess of Minto. It was while in Canada that they received news that Queen Victoria had died. She was unable to return to Britain for the funeral but attended a memorial service at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa.

The Countess of Antrim (right) with The Hon. Charlotte Knollys, Lady of the Bedchamber and Private Secretary to Queen Alexandra, with young Prince Olav (later King Olav V of Norway). photo taken by Queen Alexandra on a Mediterranean Cruise in 1905. source: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2924062

Upon returning home, Louisa received a letter from the new Queen Alexandra, asking her to stay on as a Lady of the Bedchamber. She went on to serve the new Queen until the death of King Edward VII in 1910. During this time, she accompanied The Queen on several foreign trips, and during a State Visit from the King of Portugal in 1904, Louisa struck up a friendship with Queen Amelie of Portugal which would last the rest of her life.

Having grown up in royal circles, Louisa also maintained close friendships with several members of the royal family. Her correspondence shows a close relationship with Princess Beatrice, and in later years she became good friends with Princess Helena Victoria (daughter of Princess Helena) and Princess Victoria (daughter of King Edward VII).

Embed from Getty Images

After retiring from royal service, Louisa still kept in touch with many of her royal friends and occasionally went on holiday with Princess Victoria. She was widowed in 1918, and in later years moved next door to her sister, Lady Minto, in Chelsea Park Gardens. The Dowager Countess of Antrim died on April 2, 1949 at the age of 94. She is buried in the Antrim family graveyard at Glenarm Castle in Glenarm, Northern Ireland.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Books

  • Louisa, Lady in Waiting: The personal diaries and albums of Louisa, Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria and Queen Alexandra compiled and edited by Elizabeth Longwood
  • Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Louisa Montagu Douglas Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Louisa at the Devonshire House Ball of 1897, dressed as Elizabeth, Duchess of Buccleuch. by John Thomson, photogravure by Walker & Boutall, 1897, published 1899. source: National Portrait Gallery, NPG Ax41088

Louisa Montagu Douglas Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry was Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1885 to 1886 and again from 1895 until the Queen died in 1901. She continued to serve as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Alexandra until 1912. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Born Lady Louisa Jane Hamilton on August 26, 1836 in Brighton, Sussex, England, she was the daughter of James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn and Lady Louisa Jane Russell. She had 13 siblings:

Louisa’s father had served as Groom of the Stole to Prince Albert, from February 1846 until June 1859, and was a member of the Privy Council. He served twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, from 1866 to 1868, and again from 1874 to 1876. In 1878, as Queen Victoria’s official representative, he invested King Umberto I of Italy with the Order of the Garter. He later served as Chancellor of the University of Ireland from 1881 until 1885.

The Marchioness of Lansdowne (née Lady Maud Hamilton), Louisa’s sister. source: Wikipedia

Several of her siblings served in the Royal Household as well. Her brother Claud served as an Aide-de-Camp to Queen Victoria from 1887-1897; and her sister Maud, Marchioness of Lansdowne, served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Alexandra from 1905 until 1909, and as an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber from 1909 until Queen Alexandra died in 1925. Another brother Frederick served as an aide-de-camp to the Governor-General of Canada and is credited as being the one who first introduced skiing in Canada in 1887.

William Montagu Douglas Scott, Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. source: Wikipedia

On November 22, 1859, in London, Louisa married William Montagu Douglas Scott, Earl of Dalkeith (later the 6th Duke of Buccleuch and 8th Duke of Queensberry). He was the son of Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch and 7th Duke of Queensberry, and Lady Charlotte Thynne (who had previously served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1841-1846). Louisa and her husband had eight children:

  • Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, Earl of Dalkeith (1861-1886) – unmarried
  • John Montagu Douglas Scott, 7th Duke of Buccleuch (1864-1935) – married Lady Margaret Bridgeman, had issue
  • Lord George Montagu Douglas Scott (1866-1947) – married Lady Elizabeth Manners, had issue
  • Lord Henry Montagu Douglas Scott (1868-1945) – unmarried
  • Lord Herbert Montagu Douglas Scott (1872-1944) – married Marie Edwards, had issue
  • Lady Katharine Montagu Douglas Scott (1875-1951) – married Thomas Brand, 3rd Viscount Hampden, had issue
  • Lady Constance Montagu Douglas Scott (1877-1970) – married The Hon. Douglas Halyburton Cairns, had issue
  • Lord Francis Montagu Douglas Scott (1879-1952) – married Lady Eileen Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, had issue

Through her son, the 7th Duke, Louisa is the grandmother of Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester; and through her son Lord Herbert, she is the great-great-grandmother of Sarah, Duchess of York.

Louisa was twice appointed Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria, both times during the government of The Marquess of Salisbury. Her first appointment was from 1885 to 1886, and then from 1895 until The Queen’s death in January 1901.  She remained Mistress of the Robes to Queen Alexandra and served until her own death in 1912.

The Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry died at Dalkeith Palace in Midlothian, Scotland on March 16, 1912. She is buried in the family crypt at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, at Dalkeith Palace.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Anne Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Anne Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe; Credit – Wikipedia

Anne Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1883 to 1885. She also served as one of the acting Mistresses, along with the Duchess of Bedford, from 1892 to 1895 while the position was vacant. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Born Lady Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill on Lower Brook Street in Mayfair, London, on November 14, 1854, she was the daughter of John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough and Lady Frances Vane, and she had ten siblings:

Anne’s father served as Lord Steward of the Household from 1866 to 1867, and Lord President of the Council from 1867 to 1868. He later served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1876 until 1880.

James Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe. source: Wikipedia

On June 11, 1874, Anne married James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford (later the 7th Duke of Roxburghe). He was the son of James Innes-Ker, 6th Duke of Roxburghe and Susanna Dalbiac (a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1865 to 1895).  Anne and her husband had seven children:

  • Lady Margaret Innes-Ker (1875-1900) – married James Orr-Ewing, had issue
  • Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe (1876-1932) – married Mary Goelet, had issue
  • Lady Victoria Innes-Ker (1877-1970) – married Charles Hyde Villiers, had issue
  • Lady Isabel Innes-Ker (1879-1943) – married the Hon. Guy Greville Wilson, no issue
  • Lord Alastair Innes-Ker (1880-1959) – married Anne Breese, had issue
  • Lady Evelyn Innes-Ker (1882-1949) – married William Fellowes Collins, had issue
  • Lord Robert Innes-Ker (1885-1959) – married (1) Charlotte Cooney, no issue; (2) Eleanor Woodhead, no issue

In 1883, Anne was appointed Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria, during the liberal government led by Prime Minister William Gladstone. She served until 1885 when the Conservative party returned to power. When Gladstone returned as Prime Minister in 1892, the position of Mistress of the Robes remained vacant, as no one would accept the position due to Gladstone’s policy of Home Rule in Ireland. For the next three years, Anne, along with the Dowager Duchess of Atholl, fulfilled the duties of the role, although neither was formally appointed.

In 1897, Anne was appointed a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria and served until the Queen died in 1901. In later years, she christened the RMS Mauretania, then the largest ship in the world; and served as President of the Haddingtonshire branch of the British Red Cross Society during World War I. She was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in King George V’s 1919 New Year’s Honours.

Kelso Abbey. photo: By Eddie Mackinnon, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9565642

After a lengthy illness, the Dowager Duchess of Roxburghe died on June 20, 1923 at her daughter Evelyn’s home on South Audley Street, Mayfair, London. She is buried at Kelso Abbey in Scotland, near Floors Castle, the seat of the Dukes of Roxburghe.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Elizabeth Russell, Duchess of Bedford

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Embed from Getty Images

Elizabeth Russell, Duchess of Bedford, served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1880 until 1883. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Born Lady Elizabeth Sackville-West, she was the daughter of George Sackville-West, 5th Earl De La Warr and Lady Elizabeth Sackville, on September 23, 1818. Elizabeth had nine siblings:

Elizabeth’s father served as Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household from 1841 to 1846, and again from 1858 to 1859. Her brother Reginald served as Chaplain to Queen Victoria from 1846 to 1865.

Francis Russell, 9th Duke of Bedford (left). source: Wikipedia

In 1840, Elizabeth was one of the bridesmaids at the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Four years later, on June 18, 1844, Elizabeth married Francis Russell, later the 9th Duke of Bedford. He was the son of Lord George William Russell and Elizabeth Rawdon. The couple had four children:

Woburn Abbey. photo: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=716546

Elizabeth became Duchess of Bedford in 1872 when her husband succeeded to the dukedom.  The couple inherited Woburn Abbey, in Bedfordshire (the country home of the Dukes of Bedford), and the Bedford Estate in London.  In 1880, Elizabeth was appointed Mistress of the Robes by Prime Minister William Gladstone and served until 1883. When Gladstone returned to power for several months in 1886, no ladies would accept the appointment due to his policy of Home Rule in Ireland. During his brief government service, Elizabeth served as Acting Mistress of the Robes, although she was not formally appointed.

Norris Castle. photo: By Mark Pilbeam, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6105884

The same year Elizabeth became Mistress of the Robes, her husband purchased Norris Castle, the neighboring estate to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.  This allowed them to be close by when The Queen was in residence at Osborne.  Queen Victoria had stayed at Norris Castle twice, in her childhood, during vacations there with her mother.  She later purchased the house and property next door and rebuilt it to become the Osborne House that exists today.

Having survived her husband by six years, The Dowager Duchess of Bedford died at Latimer House near Chesham, Buckinghamshire, on April 22, 1897. She was cremated and her ashes were interred in the Bedford Chapel at St. Michael’s Church in Chenies, Buckinghamshire.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.