David Ogilvy, 13th Earl of Airlie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Captain The Right Honourable The Earl of Airlie KT GCVO PC JP
The Earl of Airlie in 1994
Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle
In office 2007–2023
Monarch	Elizabeth II Charles III
Preceded by	The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry
Succeeded by	Vacant
Lord Chamberlain of the Household
In office 1984–1997
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Preceded by	The Lord Maclean
Succeeded by	The Lord Camoys
Lord Lieutenant of Angus
In office 1989–2001
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Preceded by	The Earl of Dalhousie
Succeeded by	Georgiana Osborne
Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal
In office 28 December 1968 – 11 November 1999 as a hereditary peer
Preceded by	The 12th Earl of Airlie
Succeeded by	Seat abolished
Personal details
Born	David George Coke Patrick Ogilvy (1926-05-17)17 May 1926 Westminster, London, England
Died	26 June 2023(2023-06-26) (aged 97) London, England
Spouse	Virginia Fortune Ryan ​ (m. 1952)​
Children	6
Parents	David Ogilvy, 12th Earl of Airlie Lady Alexandra Coke
Military career
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1945–1950
Rank	Captain
Service number	339585
Unit	Scots Guards
Battles/wars	World War II

David George Coke Patrick Ogilvy, the 13th Earl of Airlie, was a Scottish nobleman, soldier, and banker. He was born on May 17, 1926, and passed away on June 26, 2023.

He held important roles in the Royal Household, serving as the Lord Chamberlain of the Household for many years. He also held honorary positions like Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle. The Earl of Airlie was also the brother-in-law of Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy.

Growing Up and Family History

Early Life and Education

David George Coke Patrick Ogilvy was born in Westminster, London. His birthday was May 17, 1926. He was the oldest son of the 12th Earl of Airlie and Lady Alexandra Marie Bridget Coke. His godfather was King George V.

His younger brother, Sir Angus Ogilvy, married Princess Alexandra of Kent. David attended the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937. He was a page to his father at this important event. After Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022, he was the last person still alive who had attended that coronation.

David, known as Lord Ogilvy, went to Eton College. This is a famous school in England.

Military Service and Home Life

After school, he joined the Scots Guards. He served in the army in Germany, Malaya, and Austria. In 1946, he became an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to the commander-in-chief in Austria.

He left the army in 1950. He then went to the Royal Agricultural College. There, he learned how to manage large estates. His family owned a huge 69,000-acre estate in Angus. He had two homes on this estate: Cortachy Castle and Airlie Castle. He also had a home in London.

His Professional Life

Working in Banking

In 1953, Lord Ogilvy started working in merchant banking. He joined a company called J. Henry Schroder & Co. He became a director of the company in 1961. Later, he became chairman of Henry Schroder Wagg & Co. in 1973. He then became chairman of Schroders plc in 1977.

In 1968, his father passed away. David then became the Earl of Airlie. In 1972, he was added to the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List.

Serving the Royal Family

In 1984, Lord Airlie left his banking job. He took on a very important role in the Royal Household. He became the Lord Chamberlain of the Household. This is a senior position that helps manage the Royal Household.

He was made a member of the Privy Council. He also received a special honor, becoming a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. As Lord Chamberlain, he was also the chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order. His own father had also served as Lord Chamberlain for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Lord Airlie made many changes to the Royal Household. He helped make the Royal Household more modern. For example, he helped the Queen agree to pay taxes. He also made sure there was more openness about how the monarchy was funded. He focused on improving public relations for the Royal Family.

In 1985, he received another high honor. He was made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. This is Scotland's highest order of chivalry. He also became Chairman of General Accident Fire and Life Assurance plc in 1987. In 1989, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Angus.

His time as Lord Chamberlain included some challenging years for the monarchy. This included the 1992 Windsor Castle fire. There were also separations and divorces within the Royal Family. He remained in his role until 1997. After retiring, he received the Royal Victorian Chain. He was also appointed a permanent lord-in-waiting.

Later Years and Legacy

Life at Cortachy Castle

Lord Airlie's family home was Cortachy Castle in Scotland. The castle has been the family home for over 500 years. In 2014, Lord and Lady Airlie moved out of the castle. Their eldest son now manages the property.

In 2007, Lord Airlie became the Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle. He held this position until he passed away.

Other Important Roles

When the University of Abertay Dundee was started in 1994, Lord Airlie became its first chancellor. He was also the Captain General of the Royal Company of Archers. This is a special ceremonial unit that protects the monarch in Scotland.

In September 2022, Lord Airlie attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. In May 2023, he was present at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. He was the last person to attend three coronations: in 1937, 1953, and 2023.

Lord Airlie passed away at his home in London on June 26, 2023. He was 97 years old.

Funeral and Scouts

His funeral was held at Cortachy Castle on July 6, 2023. Lord Airlie had asked for Scouts and Scout leaders to be there. This was because he was the president of Scouts Scotland. Local Scouts and their leaders attended his funeral. They lined the street as his coffin was taken to the family cemetery.

Family Life

Marriage and Children

On October 23, 1952, he married Virginia Fortune Ryan. Their wedding was at St Margaret's Church, Westminster. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret were present.

They had six children:

• Lady Doune Mabell Ogilvy (born 1953)
• Lady Jane Fortune Margaret Ogilvy (born 1955)
• David John Ogilvy, 14th Earl of Airlie (born 1958)
  • Lady Augusta Amadeus Caroline Ogilvy (born 1981)
  • David Huxley Ogilvy, Lord Ogilvy (born 1991)
  • The Hon. Joseph Skene Ogilvy (born 1995)
  • The Hon. Michael Móir Ogilvy (born 1997)
• The Hon. Bruce Patrick Mark Ogilvy (born 1959)
• Lady Elizabeth Clementina Ogilvy (born 1965)
• The Hon. Patrick Alexander Ogilvy (born 1971)

His wife, the Countess of Airlie, was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II. This means she was a close assistant to the Queen. She was the first American woman to be appointed a lady-in-waiting.

Honors and Awards

Special Recognitions

Lord Airlie received many honors throughout his life. These awards recognized his service and contributions.

• 1937: King George VI Coronation Medal
• 1953: Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
• 1977: Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
• Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem:
  • 1981: Officer (OStJ)
  • 1996: Knight (KStJ)
• 1984: Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO)
• 1985: Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle (KT)
• 1997: Royal Victorian Chain
• 2002: Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
• 2023: King Charles III Coronation Medal

International Honors

• 1993: Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry (from Portugal)

Coat of Arms

Arms of David Ogilvy, 13th Earl of Airlie

Coronet A Coronet of an Earl Crest A Lady from the waist upwards, affrontée Azure holding a Portcullis Gules Escutcheon Argent a Lion passant guardant Gules crowned with an Imperial Crown and collared with an open one proper Supporters On either side a Bull Sable, armed and unguled Vert, and gorged with a Garland of Flowers proper Motto A Fin (To the end)