William Peel, 3rd Earl Peel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Peel
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2019 parliamentary portrait
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| Lord Chamberlain of the Household | |
| In office 16 October 2006 – 31 March 2021 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | The Lord Luce |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Parker of Minsmere |
| Member of the House of Lords | |
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Lord Temporal
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| In office 15 May 1973 – 11 November 1999 as a hereditary peer |
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| Preceded by | The 2nd Earl Peel |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Assumed office 11 November 1999 as an elected hereditary peer |
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| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William James Robert Peel
3 October 1947 |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Crossbench |
| Other political affiliations |
Conservative (until July 2006) |
| Spouses |
Veronica Timpson
(m. 1973; div. 1987)The Hon. Charlotte Soames
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent |
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| Alma mater |
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| Occupation | Businessman, peer and politician |
| Other titles |
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William James Robert Peel, also known as the 3rd Earl Peel, was born on October 3, 1947. He is a British nobleman who served in the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. From 1973 to 2006, he was a member of the Conservative Party. In October 2006, he became the Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household. At that point, he changed to being a crossbench member of the House of Lords. This means he did not belong to any political party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Family Background
William Peel is the oldest son of Arthur Peel, 2nd Earl Peel. His mother was Kathleen McGrath. He is also a great-great-grandson of Sir Robert Peel, who was once a Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
School and University
He went to Ampleforth College for his schooling. After that, he studied at the University of Tours in France. He also attended the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, England.
Career and Public Service
Roles in Public Organizations
William Peel held several important positions before becoming Lord Chamberlain. From 1993 to 2006, he was a member of the Prince's Council, which helps manage the Duchy of Cornwall. He was also the Lord Warden of the Stannaries during the same period. This role is connected to tin mining in Cornwall.
He was involved in nature conservation, serving on the Nature Conservancy Council and with English Nature from 1991 to 1996. He also led the Game Conservancy Trust as Chairman from 1994 to 2000, and then as President until 2008. From 1989 to 1996, he was President of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. He spent six years on the Yorkshire Dales National Park Committee. In 1998, he became a Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
Serving in the House of Lords
In 1999, a new law changed how the House of Lords worked. Many hereditary peers, who inherited their titles, lost their automatic right to be in the House of Lords. However, William Peel was one of 42 Conservative hereditary peers who were elected to remain. He received 142 votes, placing 14th in the election. Since July 2006, he has sat as a Crossbench member, meaning he is independent of political parties.
Lord Chamberlain of the Household
In June 2006, it was announced that William Peel would become the new Lord Chamberlain. This is a very important role in the Royal Household. He officially started the job on October 11, 2006, after meeting with The Queen. At that time, he was also given a special honor, becoming a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). He also became the Chancellor of this Order. A month later, in November 2006, he became a member of the Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council.
He served as Lord Chamberlain until March 31, 2021. His retirement was delayed slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic while a new person was being chosen. Andrew Parker, Baron Parker of Minsmere, was appointed to take over from him. When he left his role on April 13, 2021, he returned his official symbols of office. He was also given another high honor, the Royal Victorian Chain.
Family Life
William Peel has been married twice. His first marriage was to Veronica Naomi Livingston Timpson. They had two children, Ashton and Iona. This marriage ended in 1987.
In 1989, he married Charlotte Clementine Soames. Charlotte is the daughter of Christopher Soames, Baron Soames, and Mary Churchill. Mary Churchill was the daughter of Sir Winston Churchill, a famous British Prime Minister. William and Charlotte had one daughter, Lady Antonia Peel, born in 1991.
Honours and Awards
William Peel has received several honors for his public service:
- In 1998, he became a Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
- In 2006, he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).
- In 2006, he became a Member of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council (PC).
- In 2021, he received the Royal Victorian Chain.
- In 2017, he was honored by Spain, becoming a Commander of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic.
