Maid of honour at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation dies night before Her Majesty's funeral
Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was held at Westminster Abbey in 1953, it had six maids of honour. One of them was Lady Mary Russell, who helped carry the train of the monarch's coronation gown. She died at the age of 88 on the night before Queen’...
By ET Spotlight Special |
Agencies
On September 18, Lady Mary Russell, who was one of the six maids of honour at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, died at her home at the age of 88. When asked to speak on coronation day, she said six girls were chosen to carry the Queen’s 21ft train. She felt lucky to be one of them. The anointing was an incredible moment, and at that time, she was thinking about heavy embroidery. It was a great deal for her, and that moment was overwhelming.
Angela Kelly, the Queen’s assistant and dresser, said she shared a close relationship with the Queen. Like typical women, they used to discuss dress and jewellery. The Queen had an excellent sense of humour and used to mimic everyone, including Angela. The Queen was fond of her and trusted Angela as she was the one to make decisions, but the final decision was always the Queen’s.
Six Maids Of Honour For The Coronation
Queen’s 1953 coronation had six maids of honour.- Lady Mary, daughter of Haddington’s Earl and Countess, is the second maid of honour to die.
- In 2020, Lady Moyra Campbell died.
- Lady Jane Lacey, Lady Rosemary Muir, Dowager Baroness Glenconner and Baron Willoughby de Eresby were the other maids of honour.
- All the maid of honour had to wear embellished silver gowns, with long gloves.
The coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II was held in the Abbey on 2 June 1953.
— Westminster Abbey (@wabbey) September 14, 2022
During the service, she took a solemn oath to rule according to law, to exercise justice with mercy, and to maintain the Church of England – promises she kept faithfully throughout her life. pic.twitter.com/uYtV78KjTX
Angela Kelly, the Queen’s assistant and dresser, said she shared a close relationship with the Queen. Like typical women, they used to discuss dress and jewellery. The Queen had an excellent sense of humour and used to mimic everyone, including Angela. The Queen was fond of her and trusted Angela as she was the one to make decisions, but the final decision was always the Queen’s.
Members of Britain's royal family plan to attend a Friday church service honoring Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne, although the queen herself is skipping the event at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London due to difficulty getting around at age 96.
FAQs
- What did Lady Mary’s eulogy say?
The eulogy described her as David’s cherished wife, Arabella, Anthony, Philip, Jason and Mariana’s dearest mother, and deeply loved by her 12 grandchildren. - When was the monarch's coronation held?
The monarch's coronation was held on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey.
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