Queen Elizabeth II once partied at a London nightclub with a close friend from America.
Virginia Ogilvy, a treasured lady-in-waiting who dedicated nearly fifty years of her life to serving the British monarch, passed away on August 16 at her estate in Scotland. She was 91 years old. Her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Lady Elizabeth Baring, in The New York Times on September 2nd.
“When Lady Ogilvy hosted a lavish celebration at Annabel’s nightclub in London for her 70th birthday in 2003, the queen was thrilled to attend,” he reminisced.
At this gathering, Queen Elizabeth was 76—a notable occasion since it marked her first visit to a nightclub since she wed Prince Philip in 1947. The air must have been filled with a sense of novelty and excitement, a rare glimpse of the queen stepping into the vibrant world of nightlife.
While no one quite knows if the dignified monarch stepped onto the dance floor, former head barman at Annabel’s, Mohamed Ghannam, delighted fans by disclosing that she savored a gin martini sans lemon, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Lady Annabel Goldsmith, the woman behind the club’s name, later shared an enchanting story with the U.K.’s DailyMail. “The queen was at my table that night,” Annabel recounted. “She was lively, laughing, and truly enjoying herself. As she left, she told me she’d had such a wonderful time. I was absolutely amazed.”
“Lady Ogilvy, affectionately nicknamed ‘Ginny,’ was an immensely close confidante to the late Queen Elizabeth II,” stated British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard. “Her steadfast devotion and dedicated service were cherished by the entire royal family. I captured many heartfelt moments of Her Majesty alongside Lady Ogilvy—those images radiated warmth and friendship.”
A heartfelt statement from Buckingham Palace acknowledged the sorrow felt by the monarch. “His Majesty was deeply saddened to hear of Lady Airlie’s passing, having known her for most of his life, and having greatly appreciated her immense devotion and dedicated service to Her late Majesty over the years,” reported the U.K.’s Express.
A lady-in-waiting is a noblewoman of lower rank who serves more than just a practical role; she provides friendship and support to the royal. While this position is often unpaid, its essence reflects loyalty and companionship. Such noblewomen commonly hail from affluent backgrounds, fostering longstanding bonds within the royal sphere while possibly having some of their expenses covered by the monarch.
The roles of ladies-in-waiting are nuanced. The Mistress of the Robes handles schedules, clothing, and jewelry, while the Woman of the Bedchamber supports social engagements. The Ladies of the Bedchamber rotate through duties, providing continuous companionship to the royal.
“Virginia Ogilvy was the only American to fulfill the role of lady-in-waiting throughout Queen Elizabeth’s 50-plus years on the throne,” explained Pelham Turner. “Through service and friendship, she became an integral confidante, often standing just beside the queen on state occasions.”
She was attuned to the queen’s gestures, decoding her emotions with remarkable insight—when the queen twisted her wedding ring, it often signaled boredom and the need to change course.
When Lady Ogilvy met President Trump, she startled him by grasping his hand and pulling him in close, creating a moment of awe. A trusted confidante, Lady Ogilvy was one with whom the queen could discuss any topic—rendering her invaluable.
Though titled, the ladies-in-waiting serve to ensure the royal is not only supported but cherished. They manage daily tasks and organize correspondence, stepping in when needed but maintaining their own residences outside Buckingham Palace, with occasional stays for duty.
Before immersing herself in royal duties, Ogilvy was already woven into high society. Born in London in 1933 while her American mother, Margaret (Kahn) Ryan, was visiting, her illustrious family background is intriguing. Her grandfather was financier Otto Kahn, thought to be the inspiration behind the iconic Rich Uncle Pennybags from Monopoly—and her lineage included connections to friends like Winston Churchill.
At just 16, Ogilvy found love in London with David Ogilvy, marrying three years later at Westminster Abbey. Their warmth radiated, reflecting an undeniable bond. David, a childhood friend of the queen, would later become the 13th Earl of Airlie in 1968.
Entering the royal household in 1973, alongside her husband in 1984, Ogilvy took her duties as Lady of the Bedchamber seriously. She often recounted her surprise upon being asked to serve the queen, declaring, “You do realize I’m American, and I have six children, perhaps look for someone more suited for the role?” Yet, the queen insisted she would like her first.
Ogilvy’s husband, too, learned the intricacies of royal protocol, practicing how to walk backward when in the queen’s presence. Such moments were both humorous and poignant.
Loyal to her core, Ogilvy remained steadfast at the queen’s side during royal tours and events at Buckingham Palace. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich remarked that “She was cherished by Queen Elizabeth II, retaining discretion about family matters throughout her years of service.” Ogilvy understood the delicate dance of social etiquette, knowing when to speak and when to yield to silence.
Even after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022, Ogilvy held her friend’s secrets close to her heart. Her husband’s death in 2023 was another poignant moment in her life. King Charles, upon ascending, decided to retain the queen’s ladies-in-waiting as part of the household but noted they would not be replaced. Camilla, the new queen, indicated a desire for less formal ‘queen’s companions,’ marking a shift in royal dynamics.
Cherished as a beloved figure, Ogilvy leaves behind her daughter Lady Baring and five more children, alongside 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren—a legacy intertwined with the life of a queen.
