Pamela Hicks, known for her close ties to the British monarchy as the cousin, bridesmaid, and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 97. Her life was marked by significant events in history and personal connections to royal figures.
Born in a suite at the Ritz Hotel in Barcelona, Hicks had a life intertwined with Europe’s royal houses. Her birth was attended to by King Alfonso XIII of Spain, ensuring a physician was present. Hicks was a great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and first cousin to Prince Philip, Elizabeth’s husband. Her father, Lord Louis Mountbatten, was from the Battenberg dynasty of Germany and was said to have mentored King Charles III when he was heir to the throne.
In 1947, Hicks and her sister Patricia served as bridesmaids at Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding, being third cousins to the queen. Notably, Hicks was present in Africa when the queen learned of her father’s death and her ascension to the throne.
“Pamela Hicks led a life deeply connected with historical events, observed from both joyous and tragic moments,” said a family representative.
The life of Hicks was marred by tragedy when her father was killed in a 1979 IRA bomb attack. Additionally, her family life drew scrutiny due to her mother’s relationships. Her mother, Edwina Ashley, was known for her romantic liaisons, including a rumored close relationship with Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, upon the family’s move to New Delhi in 1947. Hicks denied accusations that this relationship was sexual.
Throughout her life, Hicks maintained her involvement with the royal family, attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. Her daughter, India Hicks, announced her passing on social media, yet did not disclose the location of her death.
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