Royals mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth's close family member (92)
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It's a sombre moment for the British Royal Family and all those who hold a fondness for royal history.
Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, has passed away at the age of 92.
One of the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousins, Mary's life was one of quiet dignity, service, and deep connection to both her family and her community.
Her death marked the end of an era for Glamis Castle and the wider Scottish community she loved.
Born on 31 May 1932 in London, Mary was the daughter of Norman and Barbara.
At an early age, she was already surrounded by the traditions and responsibilities that often come with being part of the extended Royal Family.
The turbulence of World War II shaped her childhood, as her family moved from Edinburgh to Buckinghamshire for safety.
After the war, Mary's education took her to Paris to learn French and to Oxford, which reflected the typical upbringing of the British aristocracy.
Mary's life changed in 1955 when she met Fergus Bowes-Lyon, who later became the 17th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
Their wedding the following year was a grand affair, attended by Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret.
Together, Mary and Fergus made Glamis Castle their home.
Mary's impact as a Royal Family member extended far beyond the castle's walls.
She was a beloved figure in the local community known for her warmth, generosity, and tireless dedication to charitable causes.
Whether it was supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Age Concern, Cancer Relief, or the Brittle Bone Society, Mary's commitment to helping others was unwavering.
She also played a key role in local campaigns, such as the fight to save the Glamis Post Office in 2008.
Glamis Castle played host to a variety of notable guests, including former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major.
She also became a host for American astronauts through a unique relationship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In a delightful anecdote, Mary once joked about being 'the only granny' to receive a phone call from outer space after Air Force Colonel Alvin Drew left a message on her answering machine.
Yet, just like anyone else, Mary's life was not without hardship.
She lost her husband, Fergus, in 1987 and her son, Michael, in 2016.
Despite these personal tragedies, she found solace in her work and her family.
She had her two daughters, Lady Elizabeth Leeming and Lady Diana Godfrey-Faussett, and 11 grandchildren.
Mary's bond with Queen Elizabeth II was both familial and personal.
During her final visit before her passing in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II and Mary went on a poignant tour of the grounds by golf buggy.
She later reflected that the Queen seemed to know it was her 'final visit' and had come to 'say goodbye'.
Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, left behind a remarkable legacy of service, compassion, and community spirit.
Her life was a testament to the values of duty and kindness that have long defined the Royal Family.
As her family and the wider community gather to remember her at a service of thanksgiving at St Fergus Kirk in Glamis, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Mary's story is a reminder that behind the pomp and ceremony, there are real people whose lives are marked by both joy and sorrow, service and sacrifice.
May she rest in peace.
Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, has passed away at the age of 92.
One of the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousins, Mary's life was one of quiet dignity, service, and deep connection to both her family and her community.
Her death marked the end of an era for Glamis Castle and the wider Scottish community she loved.
Born on 31 May 1932 in London, Mary was the daughter of Norman and Barbara.
At an early age, she was already surrounded by the traditions and responsibilities that often come with being part of the extended Royal Family.
The turbulence of World War II shaped her childhood, as her family moved from Edinburgh to Buckinghamshire for safety.
After the war, Mary's education took her to Paris to learn French and to Oxford, which reflected the typical upbringing of the British aristocracy.
Mary used her position to bring awareness to several causes in her community. Image Credit: Mirror/PA
Mary's life changed in 1955 when she met Fergus Bowes-Lyon, who later became the 17th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
Their wedding the following year was a grand affair, attended by Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret.
Together, Mary and Fergus made Glamis Castle their home.
Mary's impact as a Royal Family member extended far beyond the castle's walls.
She was a beloved figure in the local community known for her warmth, generosity, and tireless dedication to charitable causes.
Whether it was supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Age Concern, Cancer Relief, or the Brittle Bone Society, Mary's commitment to helping others was unwavering.
She also played a key role in local campaigns, such as the fight to save the Glamis Post Office in 2008.
Glamis Castle played host to a variety of notable guests, including former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major.
She also became a host for American astronauts through a unique relationship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In a delightful anecdote, Mary once joked about being 'the only granny' to receive a phone call from outer space after Air Force Colonel Alvin Drew left a message on her answering machine.
Yet, just like anyone else, Mary's life was not without hardship.
She lost her husband, Fergus, in 1987 and her son, Michael, in 2016.
Despite these personal tragedies, she found solace in her work and her family.
She had her two daughters, Lady Elizabeth Leeming and Lady Diana Godfrey-Faussett, and 11 grandchildren.
Mary's bond with Queen Elizabeth II was both familial and personal.
During her final visit before her passing in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II and Mary went on a poignant tour of the grounds by golf buggy.
She later reflected that the Queen seemed to know it was her 'final visit' and had come to 'say goodbye'.
Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, left behind a remarkable legacy of service, compassion, and community spirit.
Her life was a testament to the values of duty and kindness that have long defined the Royal Family.
As her family and the wider community gather to remember her at a service of thanksgiving at St Fergus Kirk in Glamis, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
May she rest in peace.
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Condolences to her loved ones 
