Katharine Fraser, 22nd Lady Saltoun facts for kids

Katharine Ingrid Mary Isabel Fraser, the 22nd Lady Saltoun, is a British noblewoman. She was born Katharine Ramsay on 11 October 1957. Her parents are Alexander Ramsay of Mar and Flora Fraser, 21st Lady Saltoun. Katharine is also related to several royal families. She is a second cousin to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. This is because her grandmother was Princess Patricia of Connaught. She is also a distant relative of the British royal family.

About Lady Saltoun

Katharine Ingrid Mary Isabel Ramsay was born in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This was on 11 October 1957. Her mother, Flora, 21st Lady Saltoun, held a special title. She was the suo jure (meaning "in her own right") Lady Saltoun. She was also the Chief of the Name and Arms of Clan Fraser. This means she was the leader of the Fraser family clan.

Katharine's father was Alexander Ramsay of Mar. He was the son of Princess Patricia of Connaught. Princess Patricia was a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Katharine's godparents included important people. They were Queen Ingrid of Denmark and the Princess Royal.

Becoming Lady Saltoun

Katharine was born with her father's family name, Ramsay. From 1959, she also used "of Mar" with her name. This was a traditional way to show her family's connection to a place. In 1973, the Court of the Lord Lyon officially recognized her use of the surname Fraser. This court manages Scottish heraldry and titles.

Since Katharine had no brothers, she was known as the Mistress of Saltoun. This meant she was expected to inherit her mother's title. On 3 September 2024, she became the 22nd Lady Saltoun. She also became the clan chief, just like her mother.

In 2005, Lady Saltoun received another important role. She was appointed a deputy lieutenant of Aberdeenshire. A deputy lieutenant helps the Lord-Lieutenant. The Lord-Lieutenant is the King's personal representative in a county.

Family Life

In February 1980, Katharine announced her engagement. She was going to marry Captain Mark Malise Nicolson. He was born on 29 September 1954. Captain Nicolson served in the Irish Guards, a famous British Army regiment.

Queen Elizabeth II had to give her permission for the marriage. This was required under the Royal Marriages Act 1772. The Queen gave her consent on 13 February 1980. Katharine and Mark were married on 3 May 1980.

They have three children together. Their eldest child is the Hon. Alexander Fraser. He is known as the Master of Saltoun. He was born in 1990. Alexander is the "heir apparent" to his mother's title. This means he is next in line to become Lady Saltoun. He also served as a Page of Honour to Queen Elizabeth II. A Page of Honour is a young person who attends to the monarch on special occasions.