Leonora Anson, Countess of Lichfield

Leonora Mary Anson, Countess of Lichfield, CVO (née Grosvenor; born 1 February 1949) is a lady-in-waiting to Anne, Princess Royal. She is the daughter of Robert Grosvenor, 5th Duke of Westminster, and The Hon. Viola Lyttelton. She is the former wife of the late noted society photographer, Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield.

Leonora, Countess of Lichfield
BornLeonora Mary Grosvenor
(1949-02-01) 1 February 1949
Spouse(s)
​
​
(m. 1975; div. 1986)​
IssueLady Rose Anson
Thomas Anson, 6th Earl of Lichfield
Lady Eloise Waymouth
FatherRobert Grosvenor, 5th Duke of Westminster
MotherThe Hon. Viola Lyttelton

Biography

Leonora grew up at Ely Lodge, in Blaney, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, before attending Sherborne School. In 1967, her father acceded to the Dukedom of Westminster and she became known as Lady Leonora Grosvenor.

In the 1997 New Year Honours, Leonora was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.[1] She was upgraded to a Commander in the 2020 Birthday Honours.[2]

Since 1979, the Countess has been an extra lady-in-waiting to The Princess Royal.

Marriage and issue

In 1967, she was named debutante of the year. During the season she met photographer Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield.[3] On 8 March 1975, they were married at Chester Cathedral,[4] and she became The Countess of Lichfield.

Guests at their wedding included Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark.

They had three children:

  • Lady Rose Meriel Margaret Anson (born 27 July 1976)
  • Thomas Anson, 6th Earl of Lichfield (born 19 July 1978)
  • Lady Eloise Anne Elizabeth Anson (born 1981), married 2013 Louis Waymouth

The couple were divorced in 1986 and, as she has not remarried, the Countess retains her title. Lord Lichfield died on 11 November 2005.

Honours

She was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in the 1997 New Year Honours and Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 2020 Birthday Honours.[5]

References
  1. "The London Gazette". Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  2. "The London Gazette". Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  3. "Lord Lichfield Focuses on Two Loves—wife Leonora and His Photography". People Magazine.
  4. "Royal weddings in history". Vogue.
  5. "No. 63135". The London Gazette (Supplement). 10 October 2020. p. B4.

Other sources
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