DAME FRANCES CAMPBELL-PRESTON

in conversation with HUGO VICKERS

 

The State Apartments of the ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA

 

Thursday 5th February 2009 at 6.30pm
Thursday 23rd April 2009 at 6:30pm

 

 

 

Dame Frances was born in 1918 into a sophisticated and glamorous world – her sister-in-law was Joyce Grenfell – and after coming out in 1937, was sent to Canada to stay with Lord Tweedsmuir (John Buchan). After a whirlwind courtship, she became engaged to his ADC, Patrick Campbell-Preston, an officer in the Black Watch. Following his death in 1960, Dame Frances was appointed a lady in waiting to the Queen Mother, serving from 1965 to the Queen Mother’s death in 2002.

 

Her autobiography – the Rich Spoils of Time – is a vivid and highly entertaining account of the last 90 years, told with a sense of fun and an appreciation of people from all walks of life. It has been edited by Hugo Vickers who has himself written biographies of many 20th century figures, including the Queen Mother, Cecil Beaton,Vivien Leigh and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, illustrated with pictures from their own collection. He is also a well known broadcaster, much in demand on royal occaisions.

We are greatly indebted to both him and to Dame Frances. The Royal Hospital has been extremely generous in allowing us the use of the State Apartments. Designed by Wren with embellishments by Robert Adam, the rooms are hung with pictures by Van Dyke, Kneller and Lely and are a fitting backdrop to Dame Frances, whose grandfather was the last life-Governor of the Royal Hospital. Tickets, which include wine and canapés, cost £25 each. If you would like to come, please send a cheque made out to Independent Age and a SAE to Mrs Richard Gayner, 28 Westmoreland Place, SW1V 4AE.

You can download a form to order tickets here.