Lady Jane Lacey facts for kids

Lady Jane Antonia Frances Lacey, born Vane-Tempest-Stewart on August 11, 1932, is a British socialite and a generous person who supports many good causes. She was also known as Lady Jane Rayne.

Early Life and Family Background

Lady Jane was born in London, England, on August 11, 1932. Her birth name was Jane Vane-Tempest-Stewart. She came from an important family with roots in both Ireland and England.

Her father was Robin, Viscount Castlereagh, who later became the 8th Marquess of Londonderry. Her mother was Romaine Combe. Lady Jane had two younger siblings, Lady Annabel Goldsmith and Alistair, the 9th Marquess of Londonderry.

She grew up on her family's large estates. These included Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland, Wynyard Park in England, and Londonderry House in London. In February 1939, a painting of her by Edmund Brock was featured on the cover of a magazine called Woman's Journal.

A Special Role at the Coronation

Serving the Queen

In 1953, Lady Jane was chosen for a very special role. She became one of six young aristocratic ladies to serve as a maid of honour at the coronation of Elizabeth II. This grand event took place at Westminster Abbey in London.

Her important job included helping to carry the Queen's long royal train during the procession. All the maids of honour wore beautiful, matching gowns designed by a famous fashion designer named Norman Hartnell.

The Coronation Procession

During the coronation procession, Lady Jane rode in a carriage with Lady Rosemary Spencer-Churchill and Lord Tryon. Lord Tryon was the Keeper of the Privy Purse, a royal official. The other maids of honour waited at Westminster Abbey for the Queen's arrival.

Family Life and Philanthropy

Marriages and Children

On June 2, 1965, Lady Jane married Max Rayne, a successful developer. They had four children together:

• 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, becoming a life peer. This meant Lady Jane became known as The Lady Rayne. Max Rayne passed away in 2003. In August 2012, Lady Jane married Robert Lacey, who is a well-known writer and historian of the royal family.

Supporting Good Causes

Lady Jane has dedicated much of her life to helping others. She was a founding member and director of Chickenshed, a unique children's theatre company. This company helps children and young people of all backgrounds and abilities to perform and learn. She served as the president of the trustees for Chickenshed until her daughter Natasha took over in 2013.

Lady Jane is also a patron and trustee of the Rayne Foundation. This foundation supports many different charities, especially in areas like education, arts, and health. She is also a trustee of the Jerusalem Foundation, which works to improve the city of Jerusalem for all its residents.

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