Lady Pamela Hicks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lady Pamela Hicks
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Hicks in 2025
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| Born |
Pamela Carmen Louise Mountbatten
19 April 1929 Barcelona, Spain
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| Died | 5 June 2026 (aged 97) |
| Spouse(s) |
David Nightingale Hicks
(m. 1960; died 1998) |
| Children |
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| Parents |
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| Family | Mountbatten family |
Lady Pamela Carmen Louise Hicks (born Mountbatten) was a British aristocrat. She was a close relative of the British royal family. Born on April 19, 1929, she passed away on June 5, 2026.
Her parents were Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma and Edwina Ashley. Pamela was a first cousin to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. She was also a great-grandniece of Alexandra Feodorovna, the last Empress of Russia.
Pamela served as a bridesmaid for Elizabeth II at her wedding. Later, she became a lady-in-waiting to the Queen. She was a great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. At the time of her death, she was Queen Victoria's oldest living descendant.
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Who Was Lady Pamela Hicks?
Lady Pamela Hicks led a life connected to royalty and important historical events. She was known for her family ties and her service to the Queen. Her stories offer a glimpse into a fascinating period of history.
Growing Up in a Royal Family
Pamela Carmen Louise Mountbatten was born on April 19, 1929. Her birthplace was Barcelona, Spain. Her parents were Edwina Ashley and Lord Louis Mountbatten. She had an older sister named Patricia.
Her family, the Mountbatten family, had German roots. In 1917, her grandparents changed their German titles to British ones. This happened because many people in Britain felt strongly against Germany at that time. Her father, who was born a German prince, later became Earl Mountbatten of Burma.
Through her father, Pamela was a great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She was also a first cousin to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Her mother's family also had important connections. Pamela was baptized in London. King Alfonso XIII of Spain was one of her godparents. She attended the Hewitt School in New York City.
A Special Trip to India
In 1947, Pamela traveled to British India with her parents. Her father was the last Viceroy of India. He then became the first Governor-General of independent India. She lived with them in the grand Viceroy's House in New Delhi. They also stayed at the summer lodge in Simla.
Pamela helped her father as a co-secretary during this important time. After India gained independence in August 1947, she worked for V. K. Krishna Menon. He was a friend of her parents and a high commissioner for India.
Serving the Queen
In November 1947, Pamela had a special role. She was a bridesmaid at the wedding of then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Years later, she became a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II.
She was with the Queen and Prince Philip in Kenya when George VI died on February 6, 1952. This meant Princess Elizabeth became Queen. From late 1953 to early 1954, Pamela joined the Queen on a royal tour. They visited many places, including Jamaica, Australia, and New Zealand. Pamela also served as the leader of the Girls' Nautical Training Corps for several years.
Her Own Family Life
On January 13, 1960, Pamela married David Nightingale Hicks. He was a talented interior decorator and designer. Their wedding took place at Romsey Abbey in Hampshire. Princess Anne was one of her bridesmaids. Pamela's mother passed away shortly after her wedding.
Pamela and David had three children:
- Edwina Victoria Louise Hicks (born in 1961). She married actor Jeremy Brudenell.
- Ashley Louis David Hicks (born in 1963). He has married Marina Tondato and Kathryn Sharkey.
- India Amanda Caroline Hicks (born in 1967). She married David Flint Wood.
Later Years and Memories
In her later life, Pamela was a director at a financial firm. She also directed Cottesmore Farms. In 2002, she sold a beautiful tiara that belonged to her mother.
Pamela shared her life experiences in two books. Her first book, India Remembered, was published in 2007. It described her time in New Delhi and Simla. These were the years when India was divided into India and Pakistan. Her second book, Daughter of Empire, came out in 2012. It told stories about her childhood and her time serving the Queen.
After her cousin, Prince Philip, passed away in 2021, Pamela was the last surviving great-grandchild of Princess Alice. Following the death of Elizabeth II in September 2022, Pamela became the oldest living descendant of Queen Victoria. She attended the Queen's state funeral with her daughter, India. Lady Pamela Hicks passed away on June 5, 2026, at the age of 97.
Recognitions and Tributes
Pamela received several honors during her lifetime.
- She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal on June 2, 1953.
- On December 5, 1978, she became a Serving Sister of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem.
Her life has also been featured in popular culture. In 2016, she was portrayed in the first season of The Crown. Actress Lily Travers played her in the 2017 film Viceroy's House.
See also
In Spanish: Pamela Mountbatten para niños
