💎 All Queen's Women: Celebrating Lady Moyra Campbell's Life and Legacy

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

<p> Lady Moyra Campbell's life was marked by numerous highlights, including her selection as one of the six maids of honor at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. Born in 1930, she grew up at Baronscourt, the Abercorn family seat in Northern Ireland, and was chosen at the age of 22 to accompany the Queen down the aisle of Westminster Abbey, holding her train. This momentous occasion was just the beginning of her long and distinguished career in service to the royal family[1][2][3]. </p> <p> Throughout her life, Lady Moyra remained close to her fellow maids of honor and continued to serve the royal family. She married Commander Peter Colin Drummond Campbell in 1966 and had two sons, residing at Hollybrook House in County Antrim. Her tireless charity work and philanthropy earned her the presidency of the Cancer Fund for Children and Honorary President of Early Years, formerly known as Northern Ireland Pre-School Playgroup Association. Her passing on November 8, 2020, at the age of 90, has left a lasting impact on those who knew her[1][2][3][4][5].

what were Lady Moyra Campbell's contributions to charity work

Lady Moyra Campbell made significant contributions to charity work 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). She was also involved with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Randalstown branch of the Royal British Legion.

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

Lady Moyra Campbell supported various projects at Cancer Fund for Children, including raising funds to support vulnerable families impacted by cancer. She was particularly passionate about supporting young people across Ireland and was known for her kindness and generosity in supporting the charity's fundraising efforts. In 2012, she even put her Norman Hartnell gown from the Queen's coronation on display to raise vital 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 conclude our tribute to Lady Moyra Campbell, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on those around her. Her dedication to her royal duties and her tireless charity work have left a lasting legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the enduring values of duty, service, and honor, values that are embodied by the royal family and its esteemed members. We are grateful for the opportunity to share her story and pay homage to her remarkable life. May her memory continue to inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps and uphold the highest standards of service and devotion to their monarch and their community.

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the royal family and all those who were touched by Lady Moyra's life and work. Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched and the memories she created. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we are reminded of the importance of honoring those who have served their monarch and their community with such distinction. Her life was a shining example of the power of devotion and dedication, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to share her story. May her memory continue to inspire us all to live with the same level of commitment and passion that she embodied throughout her life.

what were the key moments in Lady Moyra Campbell's life that shaped her legacy

Lady Moyra Campbell's life was marked by several key moments that significantly shaped her legacy. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (1953): Lady Moyra was one of the six maids of honor at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of her long and distinguished career in service to the royal family.
2. Marriage and Family (1966): Lady Moyra married Commander Peter Colin Drummond Campbell in 1966, solidifying her position within the royal family and starting a family of her own with two sons, Rory and Michael.
3. Charity Work and Philanthropy: Throughout her life, Lady Moyra was actively involved in various charitable organizations, including Cancer Fund for Children and Early Years (formerly NIPPA). Her tireless efforts and dedication to these causes earned her the presidency of Cancer Fund for Children and Honorary President of Early Years.
4. Support for Vulnerable Families: Lady Moyra was particularly passionate about supporting vulnerable families impacted by cancer. She put her Norman Hartnell gown from the Queen's coronation on display in 2012 to raise funds for the charity, demonstrating her commitment to the cause.
5. Funeral and Legacy: Lady Moyra's funeral was held in a strict family environment due to the pandemic, and her passing was mourned by the royal family and her many friends and colleagues. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations through her unwavering dedication to her royal duties and her tireless charity work.

These key moments in Lady Moyra Campbell's life have left a lasting impact on those who knew her and will continue to inspire others through her remarkable legacy.