🔓 All Queen's Women: The Legacy of Lady Moyra Campbell, Maid of Honour at Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation

The passing of Lady Moyra Campbell, a distinguished figure in British royal circles, has left a lasting impact on those who knew her. Born in 1930, Lady Moyra was a maid of honor at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a long and storied career in service to the royal family. Her dedication and commitment to her duties earned her a place among the esteemed ranks of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting, a position she held until the late 1960s[1].

Lady Moyra's life was marked by her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her royal duties. Her marriage to Commander Peter Colin Drummond Campbell in 1966 solidified her position within the royal family, and her two sons, Rory and Michael, went on to carry the family name with distinction. Her passing on November 8, 2020, at the age of ninety, has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy as a devoted servant of the royal family will endure[1].

what were some of the highlights of Lady Moyra Campbell's life

Lady Moyra Campbell's life was marked by several significant highlights. Born in 1930, she was chosen to be one of the six maids of honor at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, a momentous occasion that began her long and distinguished career in service to the royal family. She served as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Alexandra from 1954 to 1969, accompanying her on several foreign tours, including the Nigerian Independence Celebrations in 1960. In 1966, Lady Moyra married Commander Peter Drummond Campbell LVO RN, and the couple had two sons, residing at Hollybrook House in Randalstown, Co Antrim. She was a tireless charity worker and philanthropist, serving as President of the Cancer Fund for Children and Honorary President of Early Years, formerly known as Northern Ireland Pre-School Playgroup Association. Lady Moyra's life was also marked by her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her royal duties, earning her a place among the esteemed ranks of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting.

what were Lady Moyra Campbell's contributions to charity work

Lady Moyra Campbell was a dedicated philanthropist who made significant contributions to various charitable causes throughout her life. She was the President of Cancer Fund for Children and Honorary President of Early Years (formerly Northern Ireland Pre-School Playgroup Association). Additionally, she was involved with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and the Randalstown branch of the Royal British Legion. Her tireless efforts in supporting vulnerable families and children impacted by cancer earned her recognition and respect from those who knew her.

what specific initiatives did Lady Moyra Campbell support at Cancer Fund for Children

Lady Moyra Campbell supported various initiatives at Cancer Fund for Children, including raising vital funds to support children in need. She was passionate about supporting young people across Ireland impacted by cancer and was proud of the work done by the charity to help vulnerable families. Specifically, she put her Norman Hartnell gown from the Queen's coronation on display in 2012 to raise funds for the charity.

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 bid farewell to Lady Moyra Campbell, we are reminded of her remarkable life and the significant contributions she made to the royal family and charitable causes. Her dedication to her duties as a maid of honour at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 and her subsequent service as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Alexandra and the Queen herself are testaments to her unwavering commitment to her roles. Lady Moyra's tireless charity work, particularly her presidency of the Cancer Fund for Children and her support for Early Years, have left a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of service and compassion in our communities.

As we reflect on Lady Moyra's life, we are struck by the numerous highlights that defined her journey. From her early years at Baronscourt, the Abercorn family seat in Northern Ireland, to her marriage to Commander Peter Colin Drummond Campbell and the birth of her two sons, Rory and Michael, Lady Moyra's life was marked by significant milestones. Her involvement in various charitable organizations, including the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, further underscores her commitment to giving back to society. As we mourn her passing, we are grateful for the memories she left behind and the lessons she taught us about the value of dedication, compassion, and service. May her memory continue to inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps and make a positive difference in the world.

what were some of the most memorable moments from Lady Moyra Campbell's life

Lady Moyra Campbell's life was marked by several significant and memorable moments. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (1953): Lady Moyra was chosen as one of the six maids of honour to carry the Queen's train during the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of her long and distinguished career in service to the royal family.
2. Service as Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Alexandra (1954-1964): Lady Moyra served as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Alexandra, accompanying her on several foreign tours and supporting her in various official capacities.
3. Service as Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II (1964-1966): Lady Moyra continued her service to the royal family by serving as a lady-in-waiting to the Queen herself, supporting her during official events and tours.
4. Marriage and Family (1966): Lady Moyra married Commander Peter Colin Drummond Campbell and had two sons, Rory and Michael. This marked a significant transition in her life, as she began to focus on her family while still maintaining her charitable and royal commitments.
5. Charity Work: Lady Moyra was a tireless charity worker and philanthropist, serving as President of the Cancer Fund for Children and Honorary President of Early Years. Her dedication to these causes earned her recognition and respect from the charities and their beneficiaries.
6. Display of Coronation Gown (2012): Lady Moyra put her coronation gown on display to raise funds for the Cancer Fund for Children. This gesture demonstrated her commitment to supporting vulnerable families and children in need.

These moments highlight Lady Moyra's remarkable life, marked by her dedication to her royal duties, her family, and her charitable work.