Definitely, it is a dark period for Elizabeth II. After losing her beloved husband Prince Philip, having been banned from alcohol and being hospitalized, her royal highness must now face the loss of a person very dear to her heart who has accompanied her since 1953: the Dowager Duchess Ann Fortune FitzRoy.
Dead at the (Right Honorable) age of 101, Ann Fortune FitzRoy was the Royal Household’s longest-serving lady companion, and her duties included organizing the Queen’s Maids-in-waiting rotation and performing various tasks during state ceremonies.
Arriving in 1953 in the royal family as the queen’s maid, in 1967 she became the Dowager Duchess of Grafton and appointed mistress of the robes of Queen Elizabeth II. As a reminder, the role of mistress of dresses is to take personal responsibility for the clothes and jewelry of the queen. Appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in New Year’s Honors in 1965, she was promoted Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1970 and Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in Honors of birthday of the queen in 1980. A beautiful prize list.
In a message posted on Royal Central At the start of the year to celebrate her 101st birthday, there were tender words describing the Dowager Duchess. Described as “very eloquent“and possessing”impeccable manners“, we learned that Ann Fortune FitzRoy”always showed up with a subtle application of makeup in natural colors, and the very sweet smell of Floris perfume – quite elegant.“
During her lifetime, the Duchess née Ann Fortune Smith married Hugh Denis Charles FitzRoy, then known as the Earl of Euston, on October 12, 1946, in a wedding ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Slaugham. Together they had five children: James Fitzroy, Earl of Euston, Lady Henrietta Fitzroy, Lady Virginia Fitzroy, Lord Charles Fitzroy and Lady Rose Fitzroy.