📩 Queen's Coronation Maid of Honour Lady Moyra Campbell Dies at 90

The untimely passing of Lady Moyra Campbell, a member of the British royal family, has sent shockwaves across the globe. Her tragic death has left many wondering about the life and legacy of this remarkable woman who was part of the esteemed House of Windsor.

As a member of the royal family, Lady Moyra's life was marked by a deep sense of duty and service to the crown. Her dedication to her family and her country was unwavering, and her contributions to various charitable causes will not be forgotten. This article will delve into the life and times of Lady Moyra Campbell, exploring her remarkable journey and the impact she left on those around her. From her early life to her untimely passing, we will examine the life of a truly remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the world.

what is the significance of lady moyra in history

Lady Moyra Campbell, a member of the British royal family, holds significant historical importance due to her role as one of the six maids of honour who assisted Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation in 1953. This event marked the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and was a pivotal moment in British history. Lady Moyra's presence at the coronation, along with her subsequent service as a Lady in Waiting to Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy, from 1954 to 1969, underscores her connection to the royal family and her influence within the British aristocracy. Additionally, her life and legacy serve as a testament to the dedication and service that many women have provided to the British monarchy over the years.

what was lady moyra's role as a maid of honour to queen elizabeth ii

Lady Moyra Campbell was one of the six maids of honour chosen to assist Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation on June 2, 1953. As a maid of honour, Lady Moyra played a significant role in the coronation ceremony, accompanying the Queen down the aisle of Westminster Abbey and holding her train during the ceremony.

who were the other maids of honour at queen elizabeth ii's coronation

The other five maids of honour who accompanied Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation on June 2, 1953, were: Lady Anne Coke Lady Jane Vane-Tempest-Stewart Lady Mary Baillie-Hamilton Lady Jane Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby Lady Rosemary Spencer-Churchill.

Lady Moyra Hamilton in 1953.

Photograph (c) National Portrait Gallery. 

Lady Moyra Kathleen Hamilton was born at London on 22 July 1930 as the first child and only daughter of James, Marquess of Hamilton (1904-1979; later 4th Duke of Abercorn), and his wife Lady Mary Crichton (1905-1990), who married in 1928. Moyra's paternal grandparents were James, 3rd Duke of Abercorn (1869-1953), and Lady Rosalind Bingham (1869-1958). Moyra's maternal grandparents were Henry Crichton, Viscount Crichton (1872–1914), and Lady Mary Cavendish Grosvenor (1883-1959).

HM The Queen with her six Maids of Honour for the Coronation. Photograph (c) National Portrait Gallery

On 2 June 1953, Lady Moyra was one of six maids of honour who were chosen to assist the new British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, at her coronation. In an interview with the BBC on the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Lady Moyra remembered this momentous event. "I was terribly lucky to be invited to be one of the maids of honour to carry the Queen's train. There were so many highlights. The amazing feeling in the abbey; the incredible prayerfulness throughout and the sight of all those crowds who had been waiting in appalling weather all night; some of them had been there overnight, others had been there from early the day before. The rain was teeming down and yet there was this joyful feeling and the abbey was full of people from all over the globe." The five other maids of honour from the 1953 Coronation still survive: Lady Jane Vane-Tempest-Stewart (b.1932; former wife of Max Rayne, Baron Rayne, and later wife of Robert Lacey), Lady Anne Coke (b.1932; wife of 3rd Glenconnor), Lady Mary Baillie-Hamilton (b.1932; former wife of John Bailey and later wife of David Russell), Lady Jane Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby (b.1934), and Lady Rosemary Spencer-Churchill (b.1929; wife of Charles Muir).

Lady Moyra Campbell in the 1960s. Photograph (c) National Portrait Gallery.

Commander Peter Campbell. Photograph (c) National Portrait Gallery.

On 12 November 1966, Lady Moyra Hamilton married Commander Peter Colin Drummond Campbell (b.1927), the son of Major-General Sir Douglas Campbell. Moyra and Peter had two sons: Rory (b.1967), and Michael (b.1970). From 1954 until the late 1960s, Lady Moyra served as a Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Alexandra.

Lady Moyra in later life.

Lady Moyra Campbell died at Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Sunday, 8 November 2020. She was ninety years-old. Lady Moyra's funeral will occur in the strictest family environment due to the pandemic. 

Sources: 

Queen's Coronation day recalled by Lady Moyra Campbell

The Lady Moyra Kathleen Campbell, CVO 1930-2020

Lady Moyra CAMPBELL

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As we conclude our tribute to Lady Moyra Campbell, a true icon of British royal history, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her. Her dedication to her family, her country, and her charitable causes left an indelible mark on the world. From her early days as a maid of honour at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation to her later years as a tireless philanthropist, Lady Moyra's life was a testament to the power of service and compassion. We are grateful for the opportunity to share her remarkable story with you, and we hope that it will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and philanthropists.

As we bid farewell to Lady Moyra, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of the British royal family, whose members have always been committed to serving the greater good. Lady Moyra's life, in particular, serves as a shining example of this commitment, as she used her position to make a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals. We are honored to have had the chance to share her story with you, and we hope that it will continue to inspire you to make a difference in your own community. May Lady Moyra's memory be a blessing to all those who knew her, and may her legacy continue to inspire us to strive for greatness.

what was lady moyra campbell's role as a maid of honour to queen elizabeth ii

Lady Moyra Campbell played the role of a maid of honour at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. As a maid of honour, she was one of six well-born young ladies selected to assist the Queen during the coronation ceremony. Her specific duties included carrying the Queen's train during the procession.