Queen's close confidant and adviser dies aged 101 after life of royal service
One of Queen Elizabeth's closest confidants has died, aged 101.
The Dowager Duchess of Grafton was the second Mistress of the Robes of the Queen's reign and the most senior of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting.
She and the Queen formed a close friendship over the years and the duchess was by Her Majesty's side at countless official events and overseas royal tours.
The Queen, Prince Philip and the Duchess Of Grafton at the State Opening of Parliament in 1998. Tim Graham Photo Library via Get
Her roles included attending being in charge of the ladies-in-waiting roster at the various royal residences and supporting the Queen at some of the biggest events - including the annual State Opening of Parliament.
Born Ann Fortune Smith on February 24 1920, she came into the Queen's service in 1953 as a Lady of the Bedchamber and was at the Coronation where she also played an important role.
Even to her family she remained very discreet about her role in Her Majesty's service and never spoke publicly about working for the royal household.
The Queen passing flowers to her Lady-in-waiting, the Duchess of Grafton after the Royal Maundy service, Lincoln Cathedral in 2000. Tim Graham Photo Library via Get
While the duties of the Mistress of the Robes are now honorary, because the Queen has other staff who are responsible for her clothes, the duchess was an important person for the Queen due to her companionship and advice.
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She married Hugh FitzRoy, Earl of Euston, who later became the 11th Duke of Grafton on the death of his father.
Lady Diana Spencer, then fiance to the Prince of Wales, rides in a carriage with the Duchess of Grafton at Royal Ascot on Ladies' Day, 1981. PA Images via Getty Images
The duchess even had a special connection with Australia, through her husband's family. She became patron of the Clarence River Historical Society in Grafton, New South Wales.
The duchess became the youngest female magistrate in the UK and served on the board of numerous charities.
Her family spent many holidays with the Queen Mother and the Queen at the Royal Lodge and Sandringham and in her advancing years she started to step back from attending public engagements due to declining health.
But it was her close friendship with the Queen, and her family's relationship with the royal family over the years, that the duchess will be most remembered for.
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