Royal Family mourns loss of a lifelong confidante of the Queen and dedicated servant
- Replies 3
The Royal Family has recently expressed their deep appreciation for a long-serving member of their inner circle, whose unwavering dedication and support have spanned decades.
One member has recently led the tributes, highlighting the significant contributions made by this respected figure, who has been a steadfast presence within the royal household.
This heartfelt recognition underscores the enduring relationships and personal bonds that have been cultivated over many years.
King Charles has shared his profound sorrow over the passing of Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, a close confidante of the late Queen, who died at the age of 91.
Virginia ‘Ginny’ Ryan, an American, made history as the first lady-in-waiting to the late Queen.
She was appointed lady of the bedchamber in 1973 and remained by her side until her passing in September 2022.
The countess, an heiress to US transportation and tobacco fortunes, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, in February 1933 and was the granddaughter of German-American financier Otto Kahn.
In 1995, she was honoured as a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) and became one of the late Queen’s most trusted confidantes.
Their bond was so strong that the late Queen made a rare appearance at a nightclub, visiting Annabel's in 2003 to celebrate Lady Virginia's 70th birthday.
Nigel Dempster, the Mail’s renowned diarist, reported that the event was a great success, with the Queen departing at midnight but ‘did thoroughly enjoy herself’.
According to a statement released by the Buckingham Palace, ‘His Majesty was deeply saddened to hear the news, having known Lady Airlie for so much of his life and having so greatly appreciated her immense devotion and dedicated service to Her late Majesty over so many years.’
While on holiday in Scotland, King Charles has personally reached out to the countess’s family to offer his condolences.
Lady Virginia’s late husband, David, who was a childhood friend of the late Queen, was the 13th Earl of Airlie and served as Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle until his passing last year at the age of 97.
He participated in the last three coronations: as a page at King George VI's in 1937, as an official at Queen Elizabeth's, and more recently at Charles III’s, where he sat in the front row of the nave wearing the robes of a Knight of the Thistle.
The couple, who wed in October 1952, played a significant role in the late Queen’s royal household and were frequent guests at Sandringham and Balmoral.
Lady Virginia often accompanied the Queen on visits to the United States, including a 1991 state dinner at the White House where they met President and Barbara Bush.
She was also by the Queen’s side in 2007 for the 400th anniversary of England’s first American settlement at Jamestown, Virginia.
Beyond her royal duties, Lady Virginia managed a flower farm at the family’s estate, Cortachy Castle, near Kirriemuir.
The earl was such a longstanding presence in the Royal Family’s life that actor Douglas Reith depicted him in the 2006 film The Queen.
David and Virginia were parents to six children and had 11 grandchildren.
To our readers, we invite you to share your thoughts on the importance of such longstanding relationships and how they contribute to the continuity and stability of institutions like the monarchy.
Have you experienced a similar bond in your own life, where loyalty and service have forged an unbreakable connection? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
One member has recently led the tributes, highlighting the significant contributions made by this respected figure, who has been a steadfast presence within the royal household.
This heartfelt recognition underscores the enduring relationships and personal bonds that have been cultivated over many years.
King Charles has shared his profound sorrow over the passing of Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, a close confidante of the late Queen, who died at the age of 91.
Virginia ‘Ginny’ Ryan, an American, made history as the first lady-in-waiting to the late Queen.
She was appointed lady of the bedchamber in 1973 and remained by her side until her passing in September 2022.
The countess, an heiress to US transportation and tobacco fortunes, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, in February 1933 and was the granddaughter of German-American financier Otto Kahn.
King Charles III has honoured the late Countess of Airlie, Virginia Ogilvy, after her passing at 91. Credit: X / The Royal Watcher
In 1995, she was honoured as a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) and became one of the late Queen’s most trusted confidantes.
Their bond was so strong that the late Queen made a rare appearance at a nightclub, visiting Annabel's in 2003 to celebrate Lady Virginia's 70th birthday.
Nigel Dempster, the Mail’s renowned diarist, reported that the event was a great success, with the Queen departing at midnight but ‘did thoroughly enjoy herself’.
According to a statement released by the Buckingham Palace, ‘His Majesty was deeply saddened to hear the news, having known Lady Airlie for so much of his life and having so greatly appreciated her immense devotion and dedicated service to Her late Majesty over so many years.’
While on holiday in Scotland, King Charles has personally reached out to the countess’s family to offer his condolences.
Lady Virginia’s late husband, David, who was a childhood friend of the late Queen, was the 13th Earl of Airlie and served as Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle until his passing last year at the age of 97.
He participated in the last three coronations: as a page at King George VI's in 1937, as an official at Queen Elizabeth's, and more recently at Charles III’s, where he sat in the front row of the nave wearing the robes of a Knight of the Thistle.
The couple, who wed in October 1952, played a significant role in the late Queen’s royal household and were frequent guests at Sandringham and Balmoral.
Lady Virginia often accompanied the Queen on visits to the United States, including a 1991 state dinner at the White House where they met President and Barbara Bush.
She was also by the Queen’s side in 2007 for the 400th anniversary of England’s first American settlement at Jamestown, Virginia.
Beyond her royal duties, Lady Virginia managed a flower farm at the family’s estate, Cortachy Castle, near Kirriemuir.
The earl was such a longstanding presence in the Royal Family’s life that actor Douglas Reith depicted him in the 2006 film The Queen.
David and Virginia were parents to six children and had 11 grandchildren.
Have you experienced a similar bond in your own life, where loyalty and service have forged an unbreakable connection? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
