Fortune FitzRoy, Duchess of Grafton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Grafton
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|---|---|
| Mistress of the Robes | |
| In office 1967–2021 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ann Fortune Smith
24 February 1920 Lower Ashfold, Slaugham, Surrey, England |
| Died | 3 December 2021 (aged 101) London, England |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5, including James FitzRoy, Earl of Euston |
Ann Fortune FitzRoy, Duchess of Grafton (born Smith; 24 February 1920 – 3 December 2021) was an important person in the British Royal Household. She worked closely with Queen Elizabeth II for many years. From 1967 until she passed away in 2021, she held the special role of Mistress of the Robes. This meant she was in charge of the Queen's clothes and jewels for important events.
Ann Fortune was married to Hugh FitzRoy, 11th Duke of Grafton. She was also the grandmother of Henry FitzRoy, 12th Duke of Grafton.
Her Early Life
Ann Fortune Smith was born on 24 February 1920. Her father was Captain Evan Cadogan Eric Smith. He was a successful businessman who led big companies like National Provincial Bank and Rolls-Royce. Her mother was Beatrice Helen Williams.
Ann Fortune had three brothers. One of them, Sir John Smith, became a Member of Parliament. He also started the Landmark Trust, which saves historic buildings.
Before working for the Queen, Ann Fortune trained to be a nurse. She studied at the famous Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. In 1938, she was presented at court as a debutante. This was a tradition where young women from important families were introduced to society.
Marriage and Family Life
On 12 October 1946, Ann Fortune married Hugh FitzRoy. At the time, he was known as the Earl of Euston. They met at a dance at Euston Hall, which is their family home. They got married at St Mary's Church, Slaugham.
Ann Fortune and Hugh had five children:
- James Oliver Charles FitzRoy, Earl of Euston (1947–2009). He married Lady Clare Amabel Margaret Kerr in 1972. They had five children together, including Henry FitzRoy, 12th Duke of Grafton.
- Lady Henrietta Fortune Doreen FitzRoy (born 1949). She married Edward Gerald Patrick St. George in 1979.
- Lady Virginia Mary Elizabeth FitzRoy (born 1954). Queen Elizabeth II was her godmother. She married Lord Ralph William Francis Joseph Kerr in 1980. They later divorced. She married Roger Babington Hill in 1995.
- Lord Charles Patrick Hugh FitzRoy (born 1957). He married Diana Miller-Stirling and they have two sons.
- Lady Olivia Rose Mildred FitzRoy (born 1963). She married Guy Monson, who manages investments. They have two daughters, Olivia and Leonora.
In 1970, her husband became the 11th Duke of Grafton after his father passed away. This meant Ann Fortune became known as the Duchess of Grafton. Her husband died in 2011. Their oldest son, James, had passed away in 2009. So, their grandson, Henry FitzRoy, became the 12th Duke of Grafton.
Ann Fortune lived a long life. She turned 100 years old in February 2020. She passed away in London on 3 December 2021, at the age of 101.
Working for the Queen
Ann Fortune had a long and important career serving Queen Elizabeth II.
- From 1953 to 1966, she was a Lady of the Bedchamber. This was a close assistant to the Queen. She was appointed just before the Queen's coronation.
- From 1967 until her death in 2021, she was the Mistress of the Robes. This was the most senior lady in the Queen's household. She was responsible for the Queen's wardrobe and jewels for official events.
The Duchess traveled with the Queen on many trips to other countries. These trips included visits to Nigeria in 1956, France in 1972, Morocco in 1980, and Russia in 1994.
She received several special honors from the Queen for her service:
- In 1965, she was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).
- In 1970, she was promoted to a Dame Commander (DCVO).
- In 1980, she became a Dame Grand Cross (GCVO). These honors are given by the monarch for personal service.
Besides her royal duties, Ann Fortune also served her community.
- In 1949, she became a magistrate in London. This meant she helped make decisions in local courts, especially for young people. She was the youngest female magistrate at that time.
- She also served as a Justice of the Peace for West Sussex from 1972 to 1990.
- She was involved with many local charities in East Anglia. These included groups like the British Heart Foundation and the Royal British Legion, which helps military veterans.
