11th Duke of Grafton (1919-2011)

Hugh Denis Charles FitzRoy, 11th Duke of Grafton, died on April 7, 2011 at his home, Euston Hall, near Thetford, in Suffolk.   He was 92 years old.  .

His Grace the Duke of Grafton was born on  April 3, 1919 at Cape Town, South Africa, the son of Charles FitzRoy, 10th Duke of Grafton and his first wife, Lady Doreen Buxton, daughter of the 1st Earl Buxton. 

The Duke's wife of 64 years,  Ann Fortune Smith, was at his side when he died.   The couple married on October 12, 1946.   The Graftons were long time friends of Queen Elizabeth II.  The Duchess of Grafton is the Queen's Mistress of the Robes.   He is survived by his wife, and four of their five children:  Lady Henrietta St. George; Lady Virginia FitzRoy, former wife of Lord Ralph Kerr, son of the 12th Marquess of Lothian; Lord Charles FitzRoy; and Lady Rose Monson.   The Duke's eldest son, James, Earl of Euston, died on October 1, 2009.  He was married to Lady Clare Kerr, daughter of the 12th Marquess of Lothian.  Their son, Henry FitzRoy, Viscount Ipswich, succeeds to the Dukedom. 

From the Daily Telegraph:

"The Duke of Grafton KG. Hugh Denis Charles Fitzroy died peacefully at Euston aged 92 on Thursday 7th April 2011. Beloved husband of Fortune and devoted father of James, Henrietta, Virginia, Charles and Rose. Much loved grandfather and great-grandfather. Funeral for the family and the estate on Friday 15th April at 3 p.m. at.— St. Genevieve's Church, Euston, Suffolk. Family flowers only. Memorial Service to be announced later."   Lord Ipswich was born in London on April 6, 1978.  He married Olivia Sladen last August.

The Duke is a direct descendant of Charles II and Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland.  Their second son, Henry, was created the 1st Duke of Grafton.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/royalty-obituaries/8444090/The-Duke-of-Grafton.html

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