Fiona Campbell-Walter facts for kids

Fiona Campbell-Walter (born June 25, 1932) is a famous British model. She was born in New Zealand. Fiona had a very successful career in the 1950s. Top photographers like Henry Clarke and Cecil Beaton took her pictures. Later, she became known for her close connection with Alexander Onassis. He was the son of a wealthy Greek shipping owner.

Early Life and Family

Fiona Campbell-Walter was born on June 25, 1932. Her birthplace was Takapuna, Auckland, in New Zealand. Her father was Keith McNeil Campbell-Walter. He was a high-ranking officer in the Royal Navy. He also served as an aide-de-camp for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

Fiona's mother was Frances Henriette Campbell. Her family is part of the Scottish Clan Campbell. They are also related to the Campbell baronets of Airds. Fiona is the aunt of Jamie Campbell-Walter.

Modeling Career

Fiona's mother encouraged her to become a model. When Fiona was a teenager, Henry Clarke took her photos. She joined the Lucie Clayton Charm Academy in London. This was a modeling agency and a special school.

Fiona became a signed model. She was a favorite of the famous photographer Cecil Beaton. In the 1950s, she earned a lot of money. She could make up to £2,000 a day. In January 1953, she was on the cover of Life Magazine. She was also featured in Vogue.

Other photographers like John French and Norman Parkinson also photographed her. She modeled for top fashion designers. These included Christian Dior, Jacques Fath, and Elsa Schiaparelli.

Personal Life

On September 17, 1956, Fiona married Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. Their wedding was in Castagnola, a village in Switzerland. It is located on the coast of Lake Lugano.

Hans Heinrich was a wealthy art collector. He was also a member of the Hungarian nobility. Fiona became a baroness when they married. She stopped modeling and moved to a beautiful home in Switzerland.

Fiona and Hans Heinrich had two children:

• Baroness Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza (born June 7, 1958). She married Archduke Karl von Habsburg.
  • Eleonore von Habsburg (born February 28, 1994). She married Jérôme d'Ambrosio.
  • Ferdinand Zvonimir von Habsburg (born June 21, 1997).
  • Gloria (born October 15, 1999).
• Baron Lorne Thyssen-Bornemisza (born June 15, 1963).

Fiona and Hans Heinrich divorced on January 20, 1965. She then moved to London with her children. In 1969, she had a close relationship with Alexander Onassis. He was the only son of Aristotle Onassis. Alexander invited Fiona to a dinner party. She was 16 years older than him.