Lady Pamela Hicks, the former lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth, was laid to rest on Saturday following her death at the age of 97 on 5 June.
Among the mourners at Prince Philip’s cousin’s funeral, which was held at St Bartholomew’s Church in Brightwell Baldwin, was Lady Pamela’s daughter India, and India’s husband, David Flint Wood. There was, however, a small royal presence at the funeral, with Lady Helen Taylor, the daughter of the Duke of Kent seen among the mourners.
For the sombre occasion, Lady Helen was seen wearing a navy long-sleeved dress, alongside a dark belt and a matching hat that featured a dark veil. The royal carried with her a matching clutch bag.
Maddison Brudenell, who is Prince William’s cousin, was also seen attending the event, as she arrived alongside India’s daughter, Domino Flint Wood.
© Getty ImagesIndia confirmed her mother’s passing last week, and alongside a black-and-white image of her late parent, she penned: “My mother died peacefully today. Whilst there is no tragedy in the death of a 97-year-old who has lived a full life I know grief will be unavoidable, lurking around waiting for me, but today I am simply grateful that she was my Mother.
© Getty Images“And through the prism of a crowded and remarkable past, she made incomparable company, carrying her memories lightly, and always with humour. My mother maintained right up to the end, the impeccable style, sharp mind, and effortless charm that made her not only a cherished institution, but truly the last of her kind.”
© Getty ImagesWhy weren’t the royals there?
Despite Lady Pamela being a key part of royal life and a friend to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, no senior royals were in attendance at the funeral.
The event unfortunately clashed with Trooping the Colour, the annual celebrations of the monarch’s birthday. Royals, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, were seen at Buckingham Palace taking in the annual military pageant.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesAt the time of Lady Pamela’s death, Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming King Charles’ sadness at the passing.
The statement read: “His Majesty 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.
© PA Images“The King and Queen’s thoughts are with Lady Pamela’s family, as they mourn a woman whose warmth, wit and perspicacity always made such an impression, and who will be so dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.”