Queen suffers heartbreaking grief as close friend dies
The Queen's close friend, Ann FitzRoy Fortune, passed away on Friday
![Queen suffers heartbreaking grief as close friend dies](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HmSrvGkH4ivr3xofsT8HKS-415-80.jpg)
The Queen has suffered yet another heartbreaking loss, following the death of her close friend, Ann Fortune FitzRoy.
- The Queen's close friend, Ann Fortune FitzRoy, has passed away aged 101.
- The Duchess of Grafton was largely considered one of Her Majesty's most trusted assistants, having first joined the Royal Household back in 1953.
- In other royal news, Prince Harry risks new family drama as he takes a swipe at Prince Charles and CBE scandal.
The Queen has lost one of her closest friends and remaining ladies in waiting, just a few months after her beloved husband Prince Philip died aged 99 at Windsor Castle.
Ann Fortune Fitzroy, Dowager Duchess of Grafton, passed away on Friday, 3 December, marking the end of her 68-year-long service to the Royal Household. At 101 years old, she was widely regarded as Her Majesty's most senior lady-in-waiting after Lady Susan Hussey.
After earning her stripes as the Queen's Lady of the Bedchamber, the Duchess was appointed Mistress of the Robes in 1967 and held the prestigious role until her death. Historically, the post required the Lady to tend to Her Majesty's style and ensure that all her clothes and jewelry were always up to scratch.
However, in recent times, its purpose has evolved to become more focused on administrative matters. The Duchess would mostly have been responsible for arranging the rota of attendance of her fellow ladies in waiting and for delegating royal duties amongst the group.
The Queen with Ann Fortune Fitzroy
The Queen's relationship with the aristocratic Ann harks back to 1953 when she first joined the Royal Household. As Lady of the Bedchamber, she worked tirelessly as Her Majesty's personal assistant behind-the-scenes, helping her to prepare for each event on her busy schedule. She also traveled extensively with the monarch, accompanying her on overseas royal engagements as far away as Nigeria and Russia.
The Duchess performed her royal service with total loyalty, never failing to step up for the Queen throughout her nearly-seventy-year-long post. She also refused to betray Her Majesty by speaking to the media, making her one of the 95-year-old's most trusted confidants.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Little is known about the Duchess's personality, but it's been reported that she shares many of the Queen's signature traits. A former Footman to the Royal Family has described her as "elegant" and "well-spoken with impeccable manners, just like Her Majesty."
Funeral arrangements for the late Duchess have not yet been announced, but will almost certainly be organized by her four surviving children.
Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
What happened to Cyril’s wife Lucille in Call the Midwife?
Cyril and Lucille Robinson are a fan-favourite couple and some fans might well have been left heartbroken by all that happened to them
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The M&S Big Autumn Energy collection offers everything you could dream of for the transitional months ahead - here are my top picks
Parisian trench coats, sleek brown leather skirts, merino wool knitwear, and much more—here's what I'm wishing for this autumn
By Molly Smith Published
-
32 candid photos that capture the real Prince Philip - from having a belly laugh to meeting celebrities
We look back at some of Prince Philip's funniest (and most heartwarming) moments, from sharing a joke with other royals to getting very into sporting events
By Elena Kiratzi Published
-
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s sleep divorce might sound radical but it’s right on trend today
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip reportedly slept separately and this is said to be something the 'upper class' have 'always' done
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince Philip’s royal tradition Princess Anne chose to uphold with her children - but none of her brothers did!
Prince Philip’s royal tradition was something his sons chose not to continue with their children but Princess Anne's kids enjoyed it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The sweet tradition Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their cousins might continue this year
The young royals could carry on a tradition that goes back to Prince Philip this summer
By Jack Slater Published
-
We love Queen Elizabeth II's sassy response to a rather rude remark reportedly made by Prince Philip
The Queen was known for her quick wit
By Robyn Morris Published
-
How George could follow in Charles's footsteps with special honor for little brother Prince Louis when he is King
Prince George could follow in King Charles's footsteps and give his brother a special honor
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
August Brooksbank looks just like Prince Harry in latest sweet snap shared by Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie posted a sweet picture of her son August
By Robyn Morris Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were 'hoping' Buckingham Palace would announce Archie and Lilibet's new titles before they did
Harry and Meghan were reportedly hoping that the Palace would 'jump the gun' says royal expert
By Robyn Morris Published