Lady Pamela Hicks, one of the two surviving bridesmaids from the late Queen and Prince Philip's wedding in 1947, reminisces about her experience with her daughter India, as she was not
invited to King Charles's coronation, which took place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey. Lady Pamela is the daughter of the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Prince Philip's uncle. Her father's influence is believed to be the reason for her non-invitation, as he reportedly "convinced the Queen not to let Charles marry Camilla," according to Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine. Lady Pamela's daughter posted a video on Instagram, in which she and her mother are sitting together on a sofa, and Lady Pamela talks about her memories of the Queen's coronation in 1953, and of King George VI's coronation in 1937, both of which she witnessed. She reminds her daughter that she grew up curtsying to her royal grandmother, and tells a story about how her sister curtsied to her father's secretary, mistaking her for the Queen.
Lady Pamela was not only a bridesmaid at the Queen's wedding but also served as one of her ladies-in-waiting. Her daughter, India, was a bridesmaid at the wedding of King Charles and Princess Diana. On Instagram, India posted a number of keepsakes from these occasions. While it's unclear why Lady Pamela was not invited to the coronation, it's certain that she has witnessed three coronations in her lifetime. Today she watched a new reign unfold with great interest.
Lady Pamela Hicks's life has been closely linked with the British Royal Family since her birth in 1929. She is the daughter of the last Viceroy of India, and the granddaughter of Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Alice. Her father, the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, was a close friend and mentor to Prince Charles, who is now the King. Lady Pamela herself was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and she has witnessed many important moments in the Royal Family's history.
While Lady Pamela may not have been present at the coronation, she is still fondly remembered by many in the Royal Family. Her presence has been noted at numerous events, including the recent unveiling of a statue of her father in London's Whitehall. Lady Pamela has also written several books about her life, including her experiences in India during the partition, her time as a bridesmaid, and her life in the Royal Household.
Lady Pamela's daughter, India Hicks, has also led a fascinating life. She was a fashion model in the 1980s and 1990s and became known for her association with the fashion designer Ralph Lauren. She is also an author and has written several books, including a memoir about her life as a bridesmaid at the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. She now lives in the Bahamas with her partner and children.
In conclusion, Lady Pamela Hicks's life has been closely intertwined with the British Royal Family for almost a century. While she was not present at King Charles's coronation, she has witnessed many important moments in the family's history, including the coronations of the late Queen and King George VI, and the wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. She continues to be an important figure in the Royal Family's history and remains a beloved and respected member of British society. Photo by Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd, Wikimedia commons.