Queen mourns as close friend Duchess of Grafton passes away
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Eight months after Queen Elizabeth II lost her husband, Prince Philip, another death within her circle has sadly occurred as her most senior lady-in-waiting and one of her closest friends, The Duchess of Grafton, passed away at the age of 101 on Friday.
Ann Fortune FitzRoy served as the Mistress of the Robes for Her Majesty’s entire reign, and throughout the years, the two formed a close friendship as she was by the monarch's side for many official events and overseas royal travels.
The Dowager Duchess died on December 3 and would have been 102 in February.
The Queen’s close friend, the Duchess of Grafton, dies aged 101. Photo credit: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty.
Ann Fortune FitzRoy was the widow of the 11th Duke of Grafton, Hugh FitzRoy, a descendent of King Charles II and his mistress Barbara Villiers.
The couple had five children together: James Fitzroy, Lady Henrietta Fitzroy, Lady Virginia Fitzroy, Lord Charles Fitzroy, and Lady Rose Fitzroy.
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II was made the godmother to Ann’s second daughter, Lady Virginia, further cementing the strong relationship the two friends had with each other.
In a post on Royal Central earlier this year to celebrate her 101st birthday, ‘The Footman’ recalled meeting the Dowager Duchess.
“Everything stops, of course, for the Ladies to enjoy Afternoon Tea, which is served in the Lady-in-Waiting’s sitting room, at precisely 5 o’clock," he said.
“I remember The Duchess being very well-spoken with impeccable manners, just like Her Majesty, and always presented with a subtle application of make-up in natural colours, and the very sweet scent of Floris perfume – quite elegant.”
Ann first began to attend to the Queen as a Lady of the Bedchamber a year into her reign. Photo credit: Getty.
This has been a difficult year for Her Majesty as she faced a series of unfortunate events.
In February, her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle confirmed they would be stepping down from full royal duties after a one-year period away from the family.
And in April, the Queen lost her husband of over 70 years when Prince Philip died at the age of 99.
According to the Duke of York, the monarch described the death of her husband as “having left a huge void in her life”.
The Duchess of Grafton's death is the latest tragedy Queen Elizabeth II has had to face this year.
Ann Fortune FitzRoy served as the Mistress of the Robes for Her Majesty’s entire reign, and throughout the years, the two formed a close friendship as she was by the monarch's side for many official events and overseas royal travels.
The Dowager Duchess died on December 3 and would have been 102 in February.
The Queen’s close friend, the Duchess of Grafton, dies aged 101. Photo credit: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty.
Ann Fortune FitzRoy was the widow of the 11th Duke of Grafton, Hugh FitzRoy, a descendent of King Charles II and his mistress Barbara Villiers.
The couple had five children together: James Fitzroy, Lady Henrietta Fitzroy, Lady Virginia Fitzroy, Lord Charles Fitzroy, and Lady Rose Fitzroy.
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II was made the godmother to Ann’s second daughter, Lady Virginia, further cementing the strong relationship the two friends had with each other.
In a post on Royal Central earlier this year to celebrate her 101st birthday, ‘The Footman’ recalled meeting the Dowager Duchess.
“Everything stops, of course, for the Ladies to enjoy Afternoon Tea, which is served in the Lady-in-Waiting’s sitting room, at precisely 5 o’clock," he said.
“I remember The Duchess being very well-spoken with impeccable manners, just like Her Majesty, and always presented with a subtle application of make-up in natural colours, and the very sweet scent of Floris perfume – quite elegant.”
Ann first began to attend to the Queen as a Lady of the Bedchamber a year into her reign. Photo credit: Getty.
This has been a difficult year for Her Majesty as she faced a series of unfortunate events.
In February, her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle confirmed they would be stepping down from full royal duties after a one-year period away from the family.
And in April, the Queen lost her husband of over 70 years when Prince Philip died at the age of 99.
According to the Duke of York, the monarch described the death of her husband as “having left a huge void in her life”.
The Duchess of Grafton's death is the latest tragedy Queen Elizabeth II has had to face this year.
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