Lady Moyra Campbell facts for kids

Lady Moyra Kathleen Campbell-Grove (born Hamilton; 22 July 1930 – 8 November 2020) was a British noblewoman who worked for the Royal Family. She was a special helper, called a maid of honour, at the coronation of Elizabeth II.

Early Life and Family

Lady Moyra Hamilton was born in London on 22 July 1930. Her father was James Hamilton, 4th Duke of Abercorn, and her mother was Kathleen Crichton. She grew up at Baronscourt, a large family home in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

She was a first cousin to John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, who was the father of Diana, Princess of Wales. This means Lady Moyra was related to Princess Diana's family.

When she was a child, Lady Moyra joined the 1st Buckingham Palace Company of Girl Guides. This special group was started in 1937 for Princess Elizabeth (who later became Queen Elizabeth II). Lady Moyra went to St Mary's School, Wantage, and then to a finishing school in Switzerland.

Working for the Royal Family

Lady Moyra (front row, second from left) on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation of Elizabeth II

In 1953, Lady Moyra was chosen to be one of six maids of honour for the coronation of Elizabeth II. This was a very important job. Her main duty was to help carry the Queen's long royal robe during the procession. All the maids of honour wore beautiful matching dresses designed by Norman Hartnell.

After the coronation, Lady Moyra continued to work for the Royal Family. From 1954 to 1964, she was a lady-in-waiting to Princess Alexandra. A lady-in-waiting is a female assistant to a queen or princess.

On 23 April 1963, she received a special award from the Queen. She was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This award is given for personal service to the monarch. Later, from 1964 to 1966, she also served as an extra lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II herself.

Later Life and Community Work

While working at Buckingham Palace, Lady Moyra met Commander Peter Colin Drummond Campbell-Grove. He was a Royal Navy officer and also worked for the Queen as an equerry (a personal assistant). They got married in 1966 and had two sons.

The family lived in Randalstown, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Lady Moyra was very active in helping her community in Northern Ireland. She was the president of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. She also helped the Early Years organization, which supports pre-school playgroups. She was involved with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

Lady Moyra Campbell-Grove passed away on 8 November 2020, at the age of 90, in Belfast.