James Ramsay, 17th Earl of Dalhousie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Dalhousie
GCVO DL
|
|
|---|---|
Dalhousie in Elizabeth II's funeral procession, 2022
|
|
| Lord Steward of the Household | |
| In office 22 July 2009 – 22 February 2023 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Preceded by | The Duke of Abercorn |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Rosslyn |
| Member of the House of Lords | |
| as a hereditary peer 15 July 1999 – 11 November 1999 |
|
| Preceded by | The 16th Earl of Dalhousie |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Hubert Ramsay
17 January 1948 |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse |
Marilyn Butter
(m. 1973) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents | Simon Ramsay, 16th Earl of Dalhousie Margaret Stirling |
| Education | Ampleforth College |
James Hubert Ramsay, the 17th Earl of Dalhousie, was born on 17 January 1948. He is an important figure in Scotland, known for his family history and his roles in the Royal Household. From 1950 to 1999, he was known as Lord Ramsay.
He is the leader, or chief, of Clan Ramsay, a historic Scottish family. He also holds a special position as the Deputy Captain General of the King's Body Guard for Scotland. In this role, he took part in the grand procession during the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Hubert Ramsay was born in 1948. His father was Simon Ramsay, 16th Earl of Dalhousie, who later became the 16th Earl. His mother was Margaret Elizabeth Mary Stirling. Interestingly, his mother was the sister of Sir David Stirling, who founded the famous Special Air Service (SAS). This means James Ramsay is also a descendant of King Charles II.
He went to school at Ampleforth College. After school, in 1968, he trained to become an officer at the Mons Officer Cadet School. He then became a second lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards, a famous part of the British Army. In 1971, he moved to the army reserves.
Career and Public Service
Before taking on his family title, James Ramsay worked in investment banking. This means he helped manage money and investments.
On 15 July 1999, his father passed away. James then became the 17th Earl of Dalhousie. For a short time, he was a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. He represented the Conservative Party. However, he lost his seat just four months later. This happened because of a new law called the House of Lords Act 1999, which changed how hereditary peers (people who inherit their titles) could be members of the House of Lords.
From 2009 to 2023, he held a very important position in the Royal Household. He was the Lord Steward of the Household. This role involves managing the Royal Household and its staff. He took over from the 5th Duke of Abercorn and was later succeeded by the 7th Earl of Rosslyn.
Since 2002, he has also been the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Angus. This is a representative of the King in the area of Angus, Scotland.
Family Life
In 1973, when he was known as Lord Ramsay, he married Marilyn Davina Butter. They got married at the Guards' Chapel, Wellington Barracks. Marilyn is the daughter of Sir David and Lady Butter.
They have three children:
- Lady Lorna Theresa Ramsay (born 1975)
- Lady Alice Magdalene Ramsay (born 1977)
- Simon David Ramsay, Lord Ramsay (born 1981)
In 2019, the family decided to sell Brechin Castle, which had been their family home in Angus for a long time. Lord and Lady Dalhousie moved to a smaller house on the same estate. They still own most of the land. Much of their family's property is now part of Dalhousie Estates. This is a family business that focuses on farming, renting out properties, and forestry. It also includes activities like shooting, fishing, and deer stalking. This business provides jobs for over 90 people.
Lady Dalhousie is a supporter of the Royal Caledonian Ball, a special Scottish event.
Honours and Awards
The Earl of Dalhousie has received several honours for his service:
_ribbon_-vector.svg)
* On 17 January 2012, he became a Commander (Brother) of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (CStJ). This is an order of chivalry that supports charitable work.
* On 25 March 2023, he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). This honour is given by the monarch for personal service to the Royal Family.
Honorary Military Appointments
- On 1 June 2008, he was made an Honorary Captain in His Majesty's Royal Naval Reserve. This is a special role in the naval reserves.
Images for kids
-
A coronet like the one worn by an Earl
-
The coat of arms for the Earl of Dalhousie
