Charlotte Campbell-Bannerman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lady Campbell-Bannerman
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(circa 1881)
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| Born |
Sarah Charlotte Bruce
May 10, 1832 |
| Died | 30 August 1906 (aged 74) Marienbad, Germany (now Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic)
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| Nationality | British |
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Sarah Charlotte, Lady Campbell-Bannerman (born Bruce; 10 May 1832 – 30 August 1906) was an important person in British history. She was the wife of Henry Campbell-Bannerman, who later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Her Early Life and Marriage
Sarah Charlotte was the daughter of Major-General Sir Charles Bruce. He was a high-ranking military officer. She married Henry Campbell-Bannerman on 13 September 1860. Their wedding took place in London.
In their early married life, Lady Campbell-Bannerman was known for hosting lively parties. These events were quite important in London society. She and her husband also welcomed friends and neighbors at their home in Scotland, called Belmont Castle.
Lady Campbell-Bannerman was a very intelligent and cultured woman. She had a big influence on her husband throughout their marriage. She helped him with many decisions. She was also very good at understanding people. Sir Henry talked to her about all the big challenges in his political career. She was always there to support his plans. She also protected his reputation. Her strong belief in his success helped him a lot. Years later, Sir Henry said that her happiness was more important than his own life.
Even though she was so influential, Lady Campbell-Bannerman preferred to stay out of the public eye. She did not often appear at public events. She also did not openly take part in her husband's election campaigns. In 1884, she encouraged her husband to accept a difficult job as the Chief Secretary for Ireland.
Her Personal Life and Final Years
Lady Campbell-Bannerman loved art. She and her husband often spent their holidays visiting old castles in France. Their Scottish home, Belmont, was filled with beautiful old French furniture and interesting items. She spoke French very well. Like her husband, she knew a lot about French books and stories.
She loved Belmont very much. In her later years, she would be wheeled around the beautiful gardens. Fresh fruit, flowers, and vegetables were regularly sent to her when she was in London. A special white gardenia, her favorite flower, was sent to her every day. At Belmont, she and the Prime Minister would walk together in the grounds. This was when he had a break from his important government duties. Their evenings were spent quietly together.
Lady Campbell-Bannerman did not have any children. In her last years, she became very ill. This meant she had to do fewer social activities. She also could not advise her husband as much. When her husband became Prime Minister, she was too ill to be by his side. However, she was able to join him at Belmont after his election win in 1906. She took part in the welcome party organized for him.
Her illness became more and more painful. Her husband took care of her with great love and devotion. He even told the King's Private Secretary that he spent so much time with his wife that he sometimes neglected his duties as Prime Minister. He knew this was not ideal, but he felt he had to be with her.
She rarely left 10 Downing Street, where the Prime Minister lives. She did make a visit to Dover in May, but it made her sick with the flu. On 8 August 1906, she and her husband traveled to Marienbad. Lady Campbell-Bannerman passed away peacefully in her sleep on 30 August 1906, at the age of 74. Her husband was by her side. She had not eaten for three days, which led to her death.
Two days later, a funeral was held for her. King Edward VII of the United Kingdom attended. She was buried in Meigle churchyard on 5 September. As a sign of his deep love, the Prime Minister had special words carved on her memorial tablet. They said: "their hearts were as one."
The death of his beloved wife was a very hard blow for the Prime Minister. He never fully recovered from it, either emotionally or physically. After Charlotte's death, he started having serious heart attacks. He resigned from his position in April 1908. He died later that month, less than two years after his wife.
