Frances Villiers facts for kids

Lady Frances Villiers (born around 1633 – died November 30, 1677) was an important English noblewoman. She served as a governess to two young princesses who later became queens: Mary II and Anne.

Frances was the youngest daughter of Theophilus Howard, 2nd Earl of Suffolk. Her mother was Lady Elizabeth Home. In 1646, Frances married Edward Villiers. His father was Sir Edward Villiers, who had an important job at the Royal Mint.

Family Life and Children

Frances and Edward Villiers had many children together. Their family grew to include eight children:

• Anne (1651–1688)
• Katherine (1652–1709)
• Barbara (1654–1708)
• Edward Villiers, 1st Earl of Jersey (1656–1711)
• Elizabeth Hamilton, Countess of Orkney (1657–1733)
• Mary (1670–1753)
• Henry (1677–1707)
• Henrietta (died 1720)

Many of their children later married into other important noble families in England.

Royal Governess to Future Queens

In 1669, Frances Villiers took on a very important role. She became the governess to the young princesses, Mary and Anne. These princesses were the daughters of the Duke of York, who would later become King James II of England. Frances became their governess after their mother, Anne Hyde, passed away.

The Villiers family had connections to the royal court. Frances's husband's family was friends with Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, who was the princesses' grandfather. This connection helped Frances get the important position. As governess, she was responsible for the princesses' education and care.

Later Life and Passing

In 1677, Princess Mary left England to marry William of Orange in Holland. Frances's eldest son, Edward, traveled with the royal couple. He served as Mary's Master of Horse, a significant role in her household.

Frances Villiers passed away on November 30, 1677. She died from smallpox, a serious illness at the time. She was living at St James's Palace in London, where the princesses' household was based. Frances was buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous church where many important people are laid to rest. After her death, Henrietta Hyde took over her role as the royal governess.