Monday, 11 April 2011

11th Duke of Grafton, 1919-2011



The Most Noble Hugh Denis Charles Fitzroy, 11th Duke of Grafton KG DL died peacefully at his seat, Euston Hall, near Thetford in Suffolk aged 92 on Thursday 7th April 2011.

Beloved husband of Fortune and devoted father of James, Henrietta, Virginia, Charles and Rose. Much loved grandfather and great-grandfather. Funeral for the family and the estate on Friday 15th April at 3 p.m. at.— St. Genevieve's Church, Euston, Suffolk. Family flowers only. Memorial Service to be announced later."   

Lord Ipswich, who succeeds to the titles, was born in London on April 6, 1978.  He married Olivia Sladen last August.

The Duke was a direct descendant of Charles II and Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland, whose second son, Henry, was created 1st Duke of Grafton.

His Grace the Duke of Grafton was born on  April 3, 1919 at Cape Town, South Africa, the son of Charles FitzRoy, 10th Duke of Grafton and his first wife, Lady Doreen Buxton, daughter of the 1st Earl Buxton. 

The Duchess of Grafton GCVO was at the Duke's side when His Grace died.   The couple married on October 12, 1946.   The Graftons were long time friends of The Queen.

The Duchess is HM's Mistress of the Robes.

The Duke is survived by his wife, and four of their five children:  Lady Henrietta St. George; Lady Virginia FitzRoy, former wife of Lord Ralph Kerr, son of the 12th Marquess of Lothian; Lord Charles FitzRoy; and Lady Rose Monson.

The Duke's eldest son James, Earl of Euston, died on October 1, 2009.  He was married to Lady Clare Kerr, daughter of the 12th Marquess of Lothian. Their son (the Duke's grandson) Henry FitzRoy, Viscount Ipswich, succeeds to the Dukedom.

Grafton arms courtesy of European Heraldry.

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