SOCIAL DICTATOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14984, 4 May 1912, Page 2 (Supplement)

SOCIAL DICTATOR.

SERVED TWO QUEENS.

Onti of the most notable personalities in society recently passed away in the person of the Duchess of Buccleuch, who,,prior to her marriage was Lady Louise Hamilton, sister of the Duke of Abereorn.

The family is noted for its brilliant marriages. One of her sisters is the wife of Lord Lansdowno; another, Lady Blandford, is the mother of the Duke of Marlborough ; while a third was Lady Winterlon. •

So long ago as 1859 she married Lord Dalkeith, the heir to the dukedom of Buccl©uch, and for more than half a century she ruled over two great, establishments, chief of which, perhaps, was Montagu House, the London seat of the duke, which she made oho of the most exclusive of the great social world of Mayfair. Every gueat in her household had to be personally known to her, and woe betide tho luckless aspirant to social distinction on whom tho duchess placed her bait* Beneath a manner somewhat austere in its stateliness, wis much kindness of heart, however, and there were few moro staunch friends than the duchess when once the barrier had been removed. One of the humours of society was the nickname of " Tiny" borne by this most exclusive grand dame of her time.

Always a great favourite at Court, she served two Queens as Mistress of the Robes, the chief office in the Royal household held by a woman. The late duchess possessed some wonderful jewels, which included a priceless belt, formed entirely of Brazilian diamonds, whilst, her equipage was one of the most magnificent seen in the London parks.