Antonella Kerr, Marchioness of Lothian facts for kids

Antonella Kerr, Marchioness of Lothian (born Antonella Reuss Newland; 8 September 1922 – 6 January 2007), also known as Tony Lothian, was an Italian-born British aristocrat, journalist, and writer. She was a very active person who worked for many good causes.

Lady Lothian helped start the yearly Women of the Year Lunches in 1955. These events celebrate amazing women and raise money for charities. She was also the mother of Michael Ancram, who became the 13th Marquess of Lothian and was a well-known politician.

Her Early Life

Antonella Reuss Newland was born in Rome, Italy, on September 8, 1922. She was the only child of Sir Foster Reuss Newland and Donna Nennella Salazar y Munatones. Her father was a Major-General, and her mother's family had Spanish roots in Italy.

Family Life

On April 30, 1943, Antonella married Peter Kerr, 12th Marquess of Lothian. He was a soldier in the Scots Guards at the time. They spent most of their married life at Monteviot House near Jedburgh in Scotland. This estate was very large, covering about 18,000 acres (about 73 square kilometers).

They had six children: two sons and four daughters. Their oldest son, Michael, later became the 13th Marquess of Lothian. Their daughters also married into important families. For example, Lady Mary Kerr was a folksinger and a talented skier. Lady Elizabeth Kerr married the future Duke of Buccleuch.

Her Career and Work

Lady Lothian had a busy career of her own. She was an author, a broadcaster, and a journalist. From 1960 to 1975, she wrote a regular column for the Scottish Daily Express newspaper. She was recognized for her writing and won the Templeton Award in 1992.

She was very passionate about helping others. In 1955, she helped create the annual Women of the Year Lunches. These lunches brought together influential women to support charities like the Greater London Fund for the Blind. She also served as a vice-president of the Royal College of Nursing for many years. She supported the National Council of Women of Great Britain and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

In 1970, Lady Lothian lost an eye due to cancer. She bravely continued her work, often wearing a black eye patch. For her dedication to women and blind people, she was awarded an OBE in 1997. She also received the title of Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great in 2002.

Lady Lothian was also interested in space exploration. She interviewed the famous Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, who was the first woman in space. Lady Lothian later wrote a book about her called Valentina: First Woman in Space.

Honours

• - OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire)
• - DSG (Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great)

See also

• Marquess of Lothian
• List of family seats of Scottish nobility