An expert revealed that once, Queen Elizabeth's American lady-in-waiting escorted the monarch to a high-end London nightclub.
Nearly 50 years of service to Queen Elizabeth II, Virginia Ogilvy passed away at her estate in Scotland.
An American pal helped Queen Elizabeth visit a posh nightclub.
Virginia Ogilvy, who served the British monarch for nearly 50 years, passed away on Aug. 16 at her estate in Scotland. She was 91. Her daughter, Lady Elizabeth Baring, confirmed the death in The New York Times on Sept. 2nd.
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that there's one story about the women that encapsulates their close bond.
The queen attended Lady Ogilvy's 70th birthday party at Annabel's nightclub in London in 2003.
The queen, who would have been 76 at the time, had never been to a nightclub before her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947, according to reports.
According to Mohamed Ghannam, the former head barman at Annabel's, the monarch enjoyed a gin martini without a lemon, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The U.K.’s DailyMail once received a tidbit from Lady Annabel Goldsmith about the evening that inspired the club's name.
"Annabel insisted to the outlet that the queen was at her table, animated, joking, and laughing. She loved it and told Annabel as she left that she had a great time. Annabel was amazed."
Royal experts informed Planet Chronicle Digital that Ogilvy, the only American in the late queen's inner circle of ladies-in-waiting, remained loyal to the monarch for many years. The Countess of Airlie served as a reminder of those who were granted access to the royal family and never betrayed their trust.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, stated that Ginny, also known as Lady Ogilvy, was a very close confidante to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
"Ginny's loyalty and commitment to the queen were acknowledged by the entire royal family," said Chard. "The family highly valued and respected Ginny's reliability. I took numerous stunning photos of Her Majesty with Lady Ogilvy . . . their friendship, closeness, and warmth were evident in every picture."
According to the U.K.'s Express, a statement from Buckingham Palace stated that His Majesty was deeply saddened upon hearing the news, as he had known Lady Airlie for a significant portion of his life and highly valued her unwavering loyalty and commitment to serving the late Queen over numerous years.
WATCH: PRINCESS MARGARET'S LADY-IN-WAITING DETAILS HER 34-YEAR EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIR
A lady-in-waiting is a noblewoman who serves a royal but is not of the same rank. Despite this, she is a trusted friend and performs her duties out of loyalty.
In 2020, Lady Anne Glenconner revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that Elizabeth personally chose her longtime friends for the position of lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret.
A lady-in-waiting is not a paid job, but rather a lifetime position that symbolizes loyalty and friendship. These women, who are often from affluent families, have been a part of the monarch's circle for years. The queen may cover certain expenses, such as clothing and travel, for her lady-in-waiting.
The duchess, who is the Mistress of the Robes, manages the schedules and responsibilities of her fellow ladies-in-waiting. She also takes care of the monarch's clothes and jewelry. The Woman of the Bedchamber is responsible for making decisions regarding social engagements, while Ladies of the Bedchamber are available for events on a rotating basis.
"During Queen Elizabeth's 50-year reign, Virginia Ogilvy was the only American to serve as a lady-in-waiting. Over time, her service and friendship with the queen deepened, making her a trusted confidante who stood to the left of the queen on many state occasions."
"Pelham Turner revealed that he was aware of the queen's habits and paid close attention to her actions. Specifically, if the queen twisted her wedding ring, it indicated that she was restless and ready to move on."
"Lady Ogilvy, a trusted confidante of the queen, met President Trump and was shocked when he grabbed her hand, pulling her very close."
The women in charge of the royal's companionship, support, and wise counsel work together to ensure that all correspondence is organized and assist with day-to-day tasks. They may not reside in Buckingham Palace, but they may occasionally stay there if their duties require it.
Before joining "The Firm," Ogilvy was already a member of high society, having been born in London in 1933 while her American mother, Margaret (Kahn) Ryan, was visiting the city, according to The New York Times.
Ogilvy's maternal grandfather, Otto Kahn, was a financier who inspired Rich Uncle Pennybags, also known as Mr. Monopoly. Her father, John Barry Ryan Jr., was the grandson of financier Thomas Fortune Ryan.
Newport, Rhode Island, and New York City were Ogilvy's childhood homes, with frequent visits to the U.K. Her parents were close friends with Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden, British politicians.
In London at the age of 16, Ogilvy met her future husband, David Ogilvy. They got married three years later at Westminster Abbey. David, a childhood friend of the queen, became the 13th Earl of Airlie in 1968.
In 1973, Ogilvy joined the queen's royal household, followed by her husband in 1984. He was appointed Lord Chamberlain of the Household and was responsible for overseeing the monarch's domestic affairs. She, on the other hand, was given the title of Lady of the Bedchamber.
Ogilvy remembered her response when the queen requested her to serve as a lady-in-waiting.
She remembered telling Sally Bedell Smith, as quoted by the London Times, "You realize I am still an American subject, and David is a banker, and I have six children. Perhaps you should get someone more steeped in it all," she said.
Ogilvy said, "No, no, I would like you to do it."
The queen also asked her husband to be part of the royal household, as Ogilvy described.
"I rarely interacted with him at work," she stated. "I avoided him except when I had to be on duty."
Ogilvy's husband's first task was to master walking backwards in the queen's presence, as reported by the outlet.
She recounted to Bedell Smith, "I would often tell him, 'Stick to a pattern on the carpet,' out of fear he might trip."
Ogilvy acknowledged that he followed her advice, stating, "I was aware of the need to moderate my alcohol intake."
The queen's side was always occupied by Ogilvy during royal tours and Buckingham Palace receptions, as reported by the outlet.
"Royal expert Hilary Fordwich stated that the late Queen Elizabeth II treasured her. She kept the royal family's inner workings confidential throughout her years. The younger generation recognizes the importance of her discretion, which was trusted by each of the royals."
"Fordwich shared that the queen's companion on both official and unofficial trips to America, including many trips to Kentucky for her passion for horse breeding and racing, was treasured for knowing exactly when and when not to speak to Queen Elizabeth II."
Despite the queen's death in 2022 and her husband's passing in 2023, Ogilvy never revealed her friend's secrets to the press.
"Queen Elizabeth II's son, King Charles, announced that he would retain the queen's ladies-in-waiting as ladies of the household after her death. However, Queen Camilla opted to rely on a less formal group of 'queen's companions' who would have fewer responsibilities than the ladies-in-waiting of her predecessors."
Ogilvy's daughter, Lady Baring, as well as five other children, 14 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, are among those who survived her.
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