Mourning for Queen Elizabeth: Ann Fortune FitzRoy, her lady-in-waiting, has died

May 2021 be another dose horribilis for the Windsor house is beyond doubt: after the death of Prince Philip the Queen Elizabeth mourns the disappearance of another person very dear to her: Ann Fortune FitzRoy, Duchess of Grafton, your Mistress of The Robes.

A lady-in-waiting, but not just any one: the Mistress of The Robes is a lady of the highest rank, who coordinates all the others and is thethe only one to have access to the sovereign’s jewels and clothes. a highly coveted role among noblewomen, usually covered by countesses, marquis and duchesses.

Ann Fortune FitzRoy, Duchess of Grafton.

Tim Graham

The one between The Queen and his most trusted lady was a very close bond, which had been going on since 1967, when the FitzRoy, already Lady of the Bedchamber, the queen’s chamber musician, had taken over from Mary Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. Fortune FitzRoy died at the age of 101, for natural causes, after a life of service.

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and the Duchess of Grafton in 1998.

Tim Graham

Always next to the queen on many official occasions, including travels and important events, she had been named Lady of the Grand Cross of the Victorian Royal Order, in 1980: Her Majesty had unconditional trust in her.

Born in 1920, widow of the Duke of Grafton, with whom she had five children, including Lady Virginia Mary Elizabeth FitzRoy, one of the many goddaughters of the queen, remained at the side of the sovereign until her last days.

The queen and her lady in 2003, at the opening of the Parliament.

Tim Graham

It is not yet known who will take his place. But it is certain that such an important presence for Queen Elizabeth cannot be replaced by any other lady.

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