Top Royal and ‘Queen’s greatest mate’ dies as tributes flood in for legendary determine
Lady Pamela Hicks, daughter of Lord Mountbatten and cousin of Prince Philip, has died peacefully aged 97, her daughter India has announced, describing her as “truly the last of her kind”
Lady Pamela Hicks, who has died aged 97(Image: Getty Images)
One of the late Queen’s closest companions who served as a bridesmaid at her wedding to Prince Philip has passed away, her daughter has confirmed.
Lady Pamela Hicks, daughter of Lord Mountbatten and cousin to Philip, died peacefully today, according to a social media announcement by her daughter India. She served as a devoted lady-in-waiting to Elizabeth II and was present in Kenya when the future Queen received news of her father George VI’s death and her accession to the throne.
In a heartfelt tribute, India — who also served as a bridesmaid at Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding — wrote: “While there is no tragedy in the death of a 97 year old who has lived a full life I know grief will be unavoidable, lurking around waiting for me, but today I am simply grateful that she was my Mother.
“And through the prism of a crowded and remarkable past, she made incomparable company, carrying her memories lightly, and always with humour.
“My mother maintained right up to the end, the impeccable style, sharp mind, and effortless charm that made her not only a cherished institution, but truly the last of her kind.”
Born in April 1929, Lady Pamela was Lord Mountbatten’s youngest daughter — Prince Philip’s uncle — and Edwina Ashley.
Due to her family’s intimate connections with the Royal Family, she was selected as one of eight bridesmaids for the then Princess Elizabeth’s marriage to the former Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey in November 1947.
Afterwards, she became a lady-in-waiting to Elizabeth, and staying one in the role when she became Queen in 1952. She later recalled being with the former monarch in Kenya, when she had learned her father had passed away and was now Queen. She said: “They asked her what she wanted to be called as Queen.
“She was astounded by the question and said: ‘Elizabeth. That’s my name.’ It was so typical of her. She showed great control, though I think she may have been in floods once we were on the plane home.”
In 1960, she married David Hicks in a society wedding, where a young Princess Anne was bridesmaid. As well as daughter India, they also had another daughter Edwina, and a son, Ashley.
