Lady Jane Lacey facts for kids

Lady Jane Antonia Frances Lacey, born Vane-Tempest-Stewart on August 11, 1932, is a well-known British person. She is known for her social activities and for helping others through charity work. She later became Lady Rayne.

Early Life and Family

Lady Jane, front row, sixth from left, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation of Elizabeth II, June 2, 1953

Lady Jane was born in London on August 11, 1932. Her birth name was The Honourable Jane Vane-Tempest-Stewart. She came from an Anglo-Irish aristocratic family. This means her family had noble roots in both Ireland and England.

Her father was Robin, Viscount Castlereagh. He later became the 8th Marquess of Londonderry. Her mother was Romaine Combe. Lady Jane was the oldest of three children. Her younger siblings were Lady Annabel Goldsmith and Alistair. She grew up on her family's large estates. These included Mount Stewart in County Down, Wynyard Park in County Durham, and Londonderry House in London.

A Royal Role: Maid of Honour

In 1953, Lady Jane had a very special role. She was chosen as one of six young ladies to be a maid of honour at the coronation of Elizabeth II. This important event took place at Westminster Abbey.

Her job was to help carry the Queen's long royal train. The maids of honour all wore beautiful matching gowns. These dresses were designed by Norman Hartnell. During the procession, Lady Jane rode in a carriage with Lord Tryon. This was a very memorable day for her and for Britain.

Marriages and Children

On June 2, 1965, Lady Jane married Max Rayne. He was a successful Anglo-Jewish developer. Together, they had four children:

• Natasha Deborah Rayne (born 1966)
• Nicholas Alexander Rayne (born 1969)
• Tamara Annabel Rayne (born 1970)
• Alexander Philip Rayne (born 1973)

In 1976, Max Rayne was given a special title. He became a life peer, which is a type of noble title. Because of this, Lady Jane became known as The Lady Rayne. Max Rayne passed away in 2003.

In August 2012, Lady Jane married again. Her second husband is Robert Lacey. He is a well-known royal biographer and historian.

Helping Others: Philanthropy

Lady Jane is also known for her charity work. She was a founding member of Chickenshed. This is a special children's theatre company. She was also the president of its trustees for many years. Her daughter Natasha took over this role in 2013.

Lady Jane also supports other important causes. She is a patron and trustee of the Rayne Foundation. This foundation helps many different charities. She is also a trustee of the Jerusalem Foundation. This foundation works to improve the city of Jerusalem.