Anne Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Roxburghe
VA OBE
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The Duchess of Roxburghe, 1898
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| Born | Lady Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill 14 November 1854 London, England |
| Died | 20 June 1923 (aged 68) London, England |
| Noble family | Spencer-Churchill |
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| Father | John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough |
| Mother | Lady Frances Anne Vane |
| Occupation | Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria |
Anne Emily Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe (born Anne Spencer-Churchill; 14 November 1854 – 20 June 1923) was an important lady in British history. She was the daughter of the 7th Duke of Marlborough. Her father worked in the government. Anne also served Queen Victoria as her Mistress of the Robes. This was a special role in the Queen's royal household.
Early Life and Family
Lady Anne Spencer-Churchill was born in London on 14 November 1854. She was the fourth daughter of John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough. Her father was a Duke who worked in the British government. He held important jobs like Lord President of the Council. This role meant he was a senior government minister. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This job meant he represented the Queen in Ireland.
Anne's mother was Lady Frances Vane. Anne had two brothers and five sisters. The children were mostly raised by servants. Anne's brother, Lord Randolph Churchill, became a famous politician. He was even the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which is like the country's chief money manager. This means Anne was the aunt of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Marriage and Royal Service
On 11 June 1874, Lady Anne married James Henry Robert Innes-Ker. He was known as the Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford. He was the oldest son of the sixth Duke of Roxburghe. In 1879, his father passed away. James then became the seventh Duke of Roxburghe. This made Anne "The Duchess of Roxburghe." Sadly, her husband died in 1892.
In 1883, Anne was given a special job by Queen Victoria. She became the Mistress of the Robes. This was a very important position. It meant she was the Queen's chief lady-in-waiting. She helped the Queen with her clothes and royal duties. Anne served in this role until 1885.
Later, in 1892, the Prime Minister wanted Anne to serve again. But many important people were upset with his policies. So, no other high-ranking lady wanted the job. Anne and another Duchess shared the duties instead.
In 1906, Anne had the honor of christening a huge ship. It was called the RMS Mauretania. At the time, it was the newest and largest ship in the world.
Helping During Wartime
During the First World War, Anne played an important role. She was the President of the Haddingtonshire Branch of the British Red Cross Society. The Red Cross helps people during wars and disasters. For her hard work, she received an award. She was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1919.
Anne passed away in London on 20 June 1923. She was 68 years old. She died at the home of her daughter, Lady Evelyn.
Children
Anne and James had several children:
- Lady Margaret Frances Susan Innes-Ker (1875–1930)
- Henry John Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe (1876–1932)
- Lady Victoria Alexandrina Innes-Ker (1877–1970)
- Lady Isabel Innes-Ker (1879–1905)
- Lord Alastair Robert Innes-Ker (1880–1936)
- Lady Evelyn Anne Innes-Ker (1882–1958)
- Lord Robert Edward Innes-Ker (1885–1958)
