Marianne Skerrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marianne Skerrett
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Chalk portrait by Rosa Koberwein, 1880.
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| Principal Dresser to Her Majesty The Queen | |
| In office 1837–1862 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Succeeded by | Annie MacDonald |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 June 1793 London, England |
| Died | 29 July 1887 (aged 94) Marylebone, London, England |
Marianne Skerrett (born June 20, 1793 – died July 29, 1887) was an important person who worked for Queen Victoria. She was the Queen's Dresser, which was like a personal assistant or lady's maid, from 1837 to 1862.
Contents
Working for Queen Victoria
Marianne Skerrett was born in London, England. Her parents were Walter Frye Skerrett and Albinia Mathias Skerrett. She started working for Queen Victoria in 1837. This was the same year Victoria became Queen.
Her Role as Principal Dresser
Marianne became the Principal Dresser. This meant she was in charge of other dressers and wardrobe staff. She managed the Queen's clothes and personal items. She also handled many important tasks for the Queen.
Daily Duties and Responsibilities
Marianne was responsible for organizing the Queen's personal staff. She also handled contacts with different businesses and artists. She would place orders for the Queen and pay the bills. Sometimes, she even answered letters from people asking for help.
A Close Friend to the Queen
Marianne Skerrett became a personal friend to Queen Victoria. In 1842, she took the place of Louise Lehzen as the Queen's trusted confidante. This made Marianne very important in the royal household. The Queen often felt closer to her personal staff than to her ladies-in-waiting.
Later Life and Legacy
Marianne Skerrett retired in 1862. She received a pension, which is like a regular payment after retirement. She then lived with her sister in London. Annie MacDonald (1832–1897) took over her role.
Marianne Skerrett passed away on July 29, 1887. She was 94 years old. Queen Victoria was very sad to hear the news. She wrote about Marianne in her diary:
"Received the sad news, that my dear faithful old Skerrett, whom I am so distressed I could not visit, had passed away. She came to me at my accession, & was most useful at the head of my Wardrobe, ordering everything, looking over my bills, &c, & arranging with the different artists. She was quite a superior person, very clever, read enormously, had an intense passion for animals, & was a great friend of Landseer's, & of many of the artists. She was very stressed, & plain spoken, most devoted & attached to me & mine. She used to come & see me at Windsor & in London. She was 94, & in full possession of her faculties. It is sad that she too is gone!"
Queen Victoria remembered Marianne as a very clever and devoted person. She noted that Marianne loved animals and was friends with many artists.
