James Ramsay, 17th Earl of Dalhousie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Earl of Dalhousie GCVO DL
The Earl of Dalhousie during the funeral procession for Queen Elizabeth II in 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
Lord Temporal
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 (1948-01-17) 17 January 1948 (age 77)
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, 17th Earl of Dalhousie (born 17 January 1948) is a Scottish landowner and member of the nobility. He is also the chief of Clan Ramsay. Before 1999, he was known by the title Lord Ramsay.

As a high-ranking member of the King's Body Guard for Scotland, he participated in the Royal Procession at the coronation of King Charles III.

Early Life and Military Service

James Hubert Ramsay was born on 17 January 1948. His parents were Simon Ramsay, the 16th Earl of Dalhousie, and Margaret Stirling. His mother was related to Sir David Stirling, who founded the famous Special Air Service (SAS). Through his mother's family, he is a descendant of King Charles II of England. He attended Ampleforth College for his education.

In 1968, when he was known as Lord Ramsay, he trained to be an army officer. He became a second lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards, a well-known regiment of the British Army. In 1971, he moved from active duty to the army reserves.

Career in Politics and Royal Service

Lord Dalhousie worked in investment banking for many years. When his father died on 15 July 1999, he inherited the title of Earl of Dalhousie. This made him the 17th Earl.

For a short time, he was a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. He was a member of the Conservative Party. However, he lost his seat just four months later because of a new law called the House of Lords Act 1999. This act removed most of the members who had inherited their titles.

In 2009, he was appointed to the important role of Lord Steward of the Household. This is one of the Great Officers of State in the UK, responsible for managing the Royal Household. He served both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III in this role until he stepped down in 2023.

Family and Personal Life

On 3 October 1973, he married Marilyn Davina Butter. Her mother, Lady Butter, was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth II. Together, they have three children:

• Lady Lorna Theresa Ramsay (born 1975)
• Lady Alice Magdalene Ramsay (born 1977)
• Simon David Ramsay, Lord Ramsay (born 1981), who is his heir and will one day become the 18th Earl.

The family's historic home was Brechin Castle in Angus, Scotland. In 2019, Lord Dalhousie put the castle up for sale. He and his wife moved to a smaller house on their large estate. The family runs a business called Dalhousie Estates, which manages farming, forestry, and property on their land.

Honours and Titles

• In 2012, he was made a Commander of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem.
• In 2023, he was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) for his service to the monarch.

Honorary Military Roles

• Since 2008, he has held the title of Honorary Captain in the Royal Naval Reserve.

Coat of Arms

Coat of arms of James Ramsay, 17th Earl of Dalhousie

Coronet A Coronet of an Earl Crest An Unicorn's Head couped at the neck armed maned and tufted Or Escutcheon Argent an Eagle displayed Sable beaked and membered Gules Supporters On the dexter side a Griffin Argent, and on the sinister side a Greyhound Argent gorged with a Collar Gules charged with three Escallops of the first Motto Ora Et Labora (Pray and work!)