Francis Knollys, 1st Viscount Knollys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Viscount Knollys
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Private Secretary to the Sovereign | |
| In office 1901–1913 |
|
| Monarch | Edward VII (1901–1910); George V (1910–1913) |
| Preceded by | Sir Arthur Bigge |
| Succeeded by | Lord Stamfordham |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 July 1837 |
| Died | 15 August 1924 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | British |
| Parents | William Thomas Knollys Elizabeth St Aubyn |
| Alma mater | Royal Military College, Sandhurst |
Francis Knollys, 1st Viscount Knollys, was an important British courtier. He was born on July 16, 1837, and passed away on August 15, 1924. He is best known for serving as the Private Secretary to the Sovereign from 1901 to 1913. This role meant he was a very trusted advisor and helper to the King.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Francis Knollys was the son of Sir William Thomas Knollys. His family lived at Blount's Court in Rotherfield Peppard, Oxfordshire. Francis went to school in Guernsey. In 1851, he joined the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, which is a famous military academy. By 1854, he became an ensign, a junior officer, in the 23rd Foot regiment.
Working for the Royal Family
Francis Knollys began his career in 1855, working for the government's audit department. In 1862, he started working for the royal family. He became the Secretary to the Treasurer for the Prince of Wales. This was a big step in his career.
In 1870, he became the Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales. He held this important job until 1901, when the Prince became King Edward VII. As a private secretary, he managed the Prince's daily affairs and helped him with many tasks. He was also a Groom-in-Waiting to the Prince, which meant he was a personal attendant.
When Edward became King in 1901, Knollys became the Private Secretary to the Sovereign. He continued in this role until 1913. He was known for being very loyal and keeping secrets, which was important for his job. He also served as a Gentleman Usher to Queen Victoria and a Lord-in-waiting to Queen Mary.
Family Life
Lord Knollys married the Honourable Ardyn Mary Tyrwhitt. She was the daughter of Sir Henry Thomas Tyrwhitt and Harriet Wilson.
Later Life and Death
Lord Knollys passed away in August 1924 when he was 87 years old. His son, Edward George William Tyrwhitt Knollys, 2nd Viscount Knollys, inherited his titles.
Awards and Titles
Francis Knollys received many honours for his long service to the Royal Family:
- He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1876. He was later promoted to Knight Commander (KCB) in 1897 and Knight Grand Cross (GCB) in 1908.
- In 1901, he became a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).
- He was also made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1886.
- In 1903, he received the Imperial Service Order (ISO).
In 1902, he was given the title of Baron Knollys. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. In 1910, he became a Privy Councillor, another important advisory role. In 1911, he received an even higher honour, becoming Viscount Knollys.
