Jean Rankin facts for kids
Lady Jean Margaret Florence Rankin (born Dalrymple; 15 August 1905 – 3 October 2001) was a Scottish naturalist and a special helper to the Royal Family. She served as a Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1947 to 1994. This role meant she was a close assistant and companion to the Queen Mother.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Lady Jean was born at Oxenfoord Castle in Midlothian, Scotland. She was the oldest child of John Dalrymple, 12th Earl of Stair and Violet Evelyn Harford. She grew up in large family homes in Scotland, including Lochinch Castle, a huge estate. It was there that she learned to drive a car at just 12 years old! Her family also spent time in London, where her father was a MP.
When World War I started in 1914, her father went to fight in France. He was captured and became a prisoner of war for three years in Germany. After his eyesight got worse, he was released in 1917 as part of a prisoner exchange. The family then lived in Switzerland for a while.
At 18, Lady Jean wanted to work. She joined the team at Queen magazine, a popular weekly publication. This was quite unusual for a young woman from her background at that time.
Serving the Queen Mother
Lady Jean was first appointed as an Extra Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth in May 1947. Just four months later, she became a Woman of the Bedchamber. This was a very important role, meaning she was a close personal assistant to the Queen.
As a lady-in-waiting, Lady Jean split her time between her home in Scotland and the Royal Household. She traveled with the Queen Mother on important trips, including tours to Canada and the United States in 1954, and Australia in 1958. She also joined Princess Margaret on visits to Paris in 1951 and Norway in 1953. Lady Jean was especially close to Princess Margaret. She often helped Princess Margaret with personal matters, acting as a trusted friend and advisor.
Lady Jean held her main position until January 1982. After that, she continued to be an Extra Woman of the Bedchamber. She often joined the Queen Mother for private dinners until 1994. At that point, her health declined, and she moved into a nursing home in Edinburgh.
Family and Nature Exploration
On 10 October 1931, Lady Jean married Arthur Niall Talbot Rankin. He was a writer and photographer who loved birds. He was also an officer in the Scots Guards. Lady Jean's father was initially unsure about the marriage. However, he insisted that Niall reconcile with his own father. Niall's father was so happy about the upcoming wedding that he left his money to Lady Jean.
Lady Jean and Niall had two sons:
- Sir Ian Niall Rankin, 4th Baronet (born 19 December 1932)
- Sir Alick Michael Rankin (23 January 1935 – 3 August 1999), who later led a large brewing company.
Lady Jean and her husband were both keen explorers, naturalists (people who study nature), and licensed pilots. They even owned their own plane! The family traveled a lot, including spending a year in Hollywood. In 1937, they bought a large estate called Treshnish on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. This estate included a chain of small, uninhabited islands. There, they followed their passion for birds, creating a collection of rare geese and ducks. Niall Rankin even spent a winter in Antarctica, writing a book about the birds he saw there called Antarctic Isle.
Treshnish became a wildlife sanctuary in 1994, the same year Lady Jean moved to Edinburgh. She passed away there in 2001, at the age of 96.
Honours and Recognition
Lady Jean received special honours for her service. She was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1957. Later, in 1969, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order. These honours are given by the monarch for personal service to the Royal Family.
