DUCHESS MARY OF ROXBURGHE: A LEGACY OF GRACE AND STRENGTH

Duchess Mary of Roxburghe, born Lady Mary Crewe-Milnes in 1915, lived a life that beautifully embodied the grace and challenges of British aristocracy. As the daughter of Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe, and Lady Margaret Primrose, her upbringing was steeped in the arts, languages, and social graces expected of her status. Yet, from an early age, Mary showed she was not merely another debutante destined for a life of leisure.

Her 1935 marriage to George Victor Robert John Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe, thrust her into the public eye, where she navigated the responsibilities of the duchy with poise. However, the grandeur of their union masked underlying tensions, culminating in a highly publicized divorce in 1953. Far from retreating into obscurity, Mary reinvented herself, becoming a renowned socialite and philanthropist. She channeled her status into supporting healthcare and the arts, earning widespread admiration.

Mary’s passion for the arts was evident in her exquisite jewelry collection, including the Diamond and Ruby Parure and a Convertible Diamond Tiara. These pieces, rich with history and craftsmanship, mirrored her own journey of transformation and resilience.

As she aged, Mary’s life remained intertwined with charity and culture. She spent her final years at Floors Castle, continuing her philanthropic work until her passing in 2014. Her legacy is one of elegance and strength, a testament to her remarkable spirit.

But what many don’t know is the secret she left behind, hidden within the walls of Floors Castle…

Know more at: https://adastrajewelry.com/blog/duchess-mary-of-roxburghe-a-legacy-of-grace-and-strength