Definition
Margaret Rhodes (22 September 1925 – 25 November 2016) was a British aristocrat and a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. She is chiefly known for serving as a lady‑in‑waiting to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and for her close association with the British royal family.
Overview
Born Margaret Elphinstone, she was the daughter of the Hon. Sir John Elphinstone, 5th Baronet, and Lady Mary Bowes-Lyon, making her a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II through their mothers, who were sisters. In 1950 she married Denys Rhodes, a former Royal Air Force officer and landowner; the couple had three children. Throughout her life, Margaret Rhodes maintained a regular presence at royal engagements, acted as a confidante and attendant to the Queen Mother, and participated in charitable activities, particularly those linked to health and welfare. She resided at the family estate, Hinton Ampner, and later at her own home in London. Rhodes published a memoir, The Final Curtsey, in 2002, offering personal recollections of the royal family.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Margaret” derives from the Greek margaritēs, meaning “pearl.” The surname “Rhodes” is of English origin, historically a locational name referring to someone who lived on an island or a peninsula, from the Old English rōd (“clearing” or “cleared land”) or the Greek island name. In this context, “Rhodes” is the married surname adopted after her union with Denys Rhodes.
Characteristics
- Family ties: Direct first‑cousin of Queen Elizabeth II; sister‑in‑law of the late Queen Mother.
- Royal service: Lady‑in‑waiting to the Queen Mother from the 1950s until the latter’s death in 2002, attending official functions, private events, and providing personal assistance.
- Publications: Authored The Final Curtsey (2002), a memoir detailing her experiences within the royal milieu.
- Philanthropy: Supported various charitable organizations, notably those related to health, the arts, and youth welfare.
- Social role: Recognized as a member of the British aristocracy, frequently appearing in media coverage of royal occasions.
Related Topics
- British royal family
- Lady‑in‑waiting (royal household)
- Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
- Elphinstone family
- Denys Rhodes
- The Final Curtsey (memoir)