Anne Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Westminster
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|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anne Winifred Sullivan
13 April 1915 |
| Died | 31 August 2003 (aged 88) |
| Spouse |
Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster
(m. 1947; died 1953) |
| Parents | Edward Sullivan Winifred Burns |
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Anne Winifred Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster (born Sullivan; April 13, 1915 – August 31, 2003), also known as Nancy, was an Irish woman who became a Duchess. She was best known for her great love of horse racing.
Early Life
Anne Sullivan grew up in Glanmire, County Cork, Ireland. Her parents were Brigadier-General Edward Sullivan and Winifred Burns. She had two brothers, Adam and George. Anne spent her early years practicing her riding skills.
When Second World War began, Anne volunteered to help. She joined the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry and worked as a driver for six years. Her brother, Adam, sadly died during the Norway campaign. After the war, she went back home to Ireland.
In 1946, she met Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster. He was a very wealthy Duke. He bought land near her family's home. He then asked her to help with flowers.
Duchess of Westminster
The Duke divorced his third wife and married Anne on February 7, 1947. Anne became the new Duchess of Westminster. She was his fourth wife.
The couple spent most of their time at Eaton Hall in Cheshire and at Lochmore. They visited Norway every year. The Duchess enjoyed fishing, farming, and other outdoor activities. She also loved racing. In June 1953, the Duke and Duchess attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke passed away the next month. Anne then moved to Eaton Lodge, where she lived for 50 years.
The Duchess inherited a large amount of land. She and her stepdaughter, Lady Mary, were among the richest landowners in Scotland.
Anne, Duchess of Westminster, was a huge fan of horse racing. She owned two famous racehorses. One was Last Suspect, who won the 1985 Grand National. The other was Arkle, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times (1964, 1965, 1966).
Through horse racing, she became good friends with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The Duchess also became president of the Chester and West Cheshire branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). She worked hard for the RSPCA. She also helped start the Clwyd Riding School for the Disabled.
Anne died at Lochmore. She was buried in the churchyard of Eccleston Church in Cheshire.
See also
- List of Grand National winners
