Margaret Mercer Elphinstone facts for kids

Margaret Mercer Elphinstone (born June 12, 1788, died November 11, 1867) was a very important Scottish lady. She was known as a society hostess. This means she hosted many parties and events for important people. She was also known as the Countess of Flahaut and Baroness Keith and Nairne.

About Margaret Mercer Elphinstone

Early Life and Family

Margaret was born in Mayfair, London, on June 12, 1788. She was the only child of George Elphinstone, 1st Viscount Keith. Her father was a famous admiral in the navy. Her mother, Jane, came from a wealthy family in Perth, Scotland. When her mother passed away in 1789, Margaret became the heir to a special title. This title was the Barony of Nairne. She later officially received this important title.

Friendship with Princess Charlotte

When Margaret was young, she became friends with Princess Charlotte of Wales. Princess Charlotte was the daughter of the future King George IV. Margaret became a very close friend and trusted helper to the Princess. Because of this close friendship, some people spread a false rumor. They said Margaret shared the Princess's secrets with the Prince Regent. However, Margaret was able to prove that this rumor was completely untrue.

Marriage and Social Life

On June 20, 1817, Margaret married Charles Joseph, comte de Flahaut in Edinburgh. Charles was a French nobleman and a military officer. He had been an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to Napoleon Bonaparte. Charles had lived in Britain for a while. He took refuge there during the Bourbon Restoration. This was a time when the old royal family returned to power in France.

Margaret, now the Countess of Flahaut, became very important in society. Her husband held high positions in the French government. He worked for King Louis Philippe I and later for Emperor Napoleon III. He served as an ambassador (a country's official representative) in Vienna. Later, he was the ambassador to the Court of St. James's in London in 1860. Finally, he lived in Paris as the Grand Chancellor of the Légion d'honneur. This is France's highest award.

The Countess was a very active member of polite society. She helped her husband with his social and political work. She was also one of the lady patronesses of Almack's, a famous social club in London.

Later Life and Legacy

The Countess Margaret died in Paris on November 11, 1867. She passed away at the Palais de la Légion d'honneur. Her oldest daughter, Emily, inherited her mother's titles. Emily became known as Lady Nairne and received her other British titles.