Louisa McDonnell, Countess of Antrim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Louisa McDonnell |
|
|---|---|
| Countess of Antrim | |
| The Countess of Antrim on the occasion of the coronation of King George V in 1911. | |
| Spouse(s) | William Randal McDonnell, 6th Earl of Antrim |
| Issue | |
| Lady Sybil Mary McDonnell Randal Mark Kerr McDonnell, 7th Earl of Antrim Hon. Angus McDonnell |
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| Noble family | Grey |
| Father | Charles Grey |
| Mother | Caroline Eliza Farquhar |
| Born | 15 February 1855 St. James's Palace |
| Died | 2 April 1949 London |
| Occupation | Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria and Alexandra of Denmark |
Louisa Jane McDonnell was a British noblewoman and a special helper at the royal court. She was also known as the Countess of Antrim. Louisa was born on February 15, 1855, at St. James's Palace in London. She lived a long life, passing away on April 2, 1949.
Contents
Louisa's Early Life and Family
Her Parents and Childhood
Louisa Jane Grey was born into an important family. Her father was Hon. Charles Grey. He was a son of the 2nd Earl Grey. This Earl Grey was a famous Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Louisa's father also worked as a Private Secretary for Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband. Her mother was Caroline Eliza Farquhar.
Marriage and Children
On June 1, 1875, Louisa married William McDonnell. Their wedding took place at the Chapel Royal in St. James's Palace. After her marriage, she became known as the Countess of Antrim.
Louisa and William had three children:
- Lady Sybil Mary McDonnell, born in 1876.
- Randal McDonnell, who later became the 7th Earl of Antrim. He was born in 1878.
- Hon. Angus McDonnell, born in 1881.
Serving the Royal Family
Lady of the Bedchamber
In 1890, the Countess of Antrim began a very special role. She became a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria. This meant she was a close attendant and helper to the Queen. She served Queen Victoria until the Queen's death in January 1901.
Serving Queen Alexandra
After Queen Victoria passed away, Louisa continued her royal duties. One month later, she was asked to serve Queen Alexandra. Queen Alexandra was the wife of King Edward VII. The Countess of Antrim served Queen Alexandra until King Edward VII's death in 1910.
Duties at Court
As a lady of the court, the Countess had important responsibilities. She often joined the Queen at official events and gatherings. She also spent scheduled months living at one of the royal palaces. During these times, she would be "in waiting" on the Queen. This meant she was available to help and attend to the Queen's needs.
Later Life
The Countess of Antrim lived to be very old. She passed away in 1949, when she was 94 years old.
