Lady Pamela Hicks, Former Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, Dies at 97 – 6 May 2026
On May 6, 2026, the Royal Family and Royal Household witnessed the passing of Lady Pamela Hicks, a distinguished former lady‑in‑waiting to Queen Elizabeth II. The 97‑year‑old, who had served the Queen with devotion for decades, left an indelible mark on the history of the British monarchy.
Born January 8, 1929 in Barcelona, Lady Hicks was the daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten, making her a cousin to Prince Philip. Known for her elegant style and sharp intellect, she entered royal service early, becoming a bridesmaid at the Queen’s wedding in 1947. The announcement of Lady Hicks’ presence at the ceremony was surrounded by a sense of excitement; the bridesmaids had long rehearsed, but she, though new, laughed and adapted instantly, completing two dress fittings in the week before the altar.
Her affinity for the Queen’s personality shone most vividly in an anecdote from the Queen’s 1952 trip to Kenya. While the Crown was courted by Beatrix, the Queen, on her sudden illness, was comforted by Lady Hicks, who, mistaking the Queen’s situation for personal joy, delivered a hug and a curtsy. The memory demonstrates the deep, personal relationship shared between Lady Hicks and her sovereign.
Lady Hicks’ commitment extended to her personal life. In 1998 her husband, renowned interior designer David Hicks, passed away. Their partnership was noted across architectural circles for its blend of taste and sophistication. The couple’s legacy was later touched by a brief cameo in the widely viewed Netflix drama “The Crown,” a nod to her role in royal history.
In the wake of the Queen’s death in 2022, Lady Hicks attended the memorial at Westminster Abbey as a representative of the Royal Household, but she did not attend the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. Her daughter, India Hicks, noted that the larger scale of the coronation did not offend her mother, emphasizing her understanding and supportive nature.
Following her death, the Royal Family expressed their sorrow. A spokesperson for King Charles III said he was “greatly saddened to learn of the death of Lady Pamela Hicks, a sorrow tempered by the fondest memories and deepest gratitude for her long life and loyal service to Queen Elizabeth.” Her daughter India posted a tribute on Instagram, describing her as a “cherished institution” and “truly the last of her kind,” acknowledging the full life she lived.
Lady Pamela Hicks is survived by her three children: Edwina, Ashley and India. Her passing marks the end of an era of devoted royal service, a legacy reserved for an era no longer in existence.