Originally from Rhode Island, Lady “Ginnie” Ogilvy became one of Queen Elizabeth’s closest confidants after marrying David Ogilvy in 1952. Ginnie frequently accompanied the Queen on trips to the U.S. and served as her personal assistant.
During King Charles’s visit to Southport on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace released a statement expressing his deep sadness at the news of Lady Airlie’s death. The statement noted, “His Majesty was deeply saddened to hear the news, having known Lady Airlie for much of his life and having greatly appreciated her immense devotion and dedicated service to Her late Majesty over many years.”
Lady Ogilvy’s husband, David, who was also Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle, was a close childhood friend of Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal commentator Sally Bedell Smith shared that after receiving numerous invitations to Balmoral shooting days, the Queen asked Ginnie if she would consider becoming a lady-in-waiting. Lady Ogilvy initially hesitated, saying, “You realize I am still an American subject, and David is a banker, and I have six children. Perhaps you should get someone more steeped in it all.” The Queen, however, insisted, “No, no, I would like you to do it.”
In 1973, Lady Ogilvy was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber and served the Queen until her death in September 2022. The Queen was so fond of Lady Ogilvy that she reportedly made what was considered her only visit to a nightclub since her marriage to celebrate Lady Ogilvy’s 70th birthday at Annabel’s in 2003.
Despite her American background, Lady Ogilvy had a strong connection to the UK from childhood, often accompanying her mother on annual visits and staying in an apartment overlooking St. James’s Park. Although Queen Elizabeth could not attend Lady Ogilvy’s wedding at St. Margaret’s Church in Westminster due to a royal engagement in Wales, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret were present.
