David Bowes-Lyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Honourable Sir
David Bowes-Lyon
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Portrait by Philip de László, 1931
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| High Sheriff of Hertfordshire | |
| In office 1950 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Prime Minister | Clement Attlee |
| Preceded by | Walter Hugh Crosland |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Acland, Bt |
| Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire | |
| In office 1952–1961 |
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| Monarch | George VI Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Winston Churchill Anthony Eden Harold Macmillan |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Hampden |
| Succeeded by | Sir George Burns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 May 1902 |
| Died | 13 September 1961 (aged 59) Birkhall, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Resting place | St. Paul's Walden Bury |
| Spouse |
Rachel Spender-Clay
(m. 1929) |
| Children | Davina Dalrymple, Countess of Stair Simon Bowes-Lyon |
| Parents | Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne Cecilia Nina Cavendish-Bentinck |
| Relatives | Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (sister) Elizabeth II (niece) Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (niece) |
Sir David Bowes-Lyon (born May 2, 1902 – died September 13, 1961) was a British nobleman. He was the youngest son of the 14th Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. David was also the younger brother of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. This made him the uncle of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. He held important roles in public service and was known for his love of gardening.
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Family Life and Marriage
David Bowes-Lyon married Rachel Pauline Spender-Clay on February 6, 1929. Rachel was the younger daughter of Herbert Henry Spender-Clay. They had two children together.
- Davina Katherine Bowes-Lyon (1930–2017) married John Aymer Dalrymple, who later became the 13th Earl of Stair.
- Sir Simon Alexander Bowes-Lyon (born 1932) married Caroline Mary Viktoria Pike.
Public Service and Royal Connections
During World War II, David Bowes-Lyon worked for a secret government department. This group was called the Political Warfare Executive. They helped spread information and ideas during the war.
He also held important positions in the county of Hertfordshire, England. In 1950, he was the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. This is a ceremonial role representing the monarch in the county. From 1952 until his death, he served as the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. This is the monarch's personal representative in the county.
David Bowes-Lyon had a close connection to the Royal Family. On December 15, 1948, he attended the christening of his great-nephew, Prince Charles. He was one of eight godparents for the future king. Other godparents included King George VI and Queen Mary.
Passion for Gardening
David Bowes-Lyon was a very keen gardener. His passion for plants was well-known. In 1953, he received the Victoria Medal of Honour. This award is given by the Royal Horticultural Society for outstanding service to horticulture.
He also served as the president of the Royal Horticultural Society from 1953 to 1961. In 1960, he led the third World Orchid Conference. This shows his dedication to the world of plants and flowers.
In 1959, he was honored by the Queen. He was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. This is a special award given by the monarch for personal service.
Later Years and Passing
Sir David Bowes-Lyon passed away on September 13, 1961. He was 59 years old. He died at Birkhall, which was his sister Queen Elizabeth's home on the Balmoral estate. He suffered a heart attack. His funeral was held in Ballater, and he was buried at St Paul's Walden Bury. His wife, Rachel, passed away many years later in 1996.
