Leonora Mary Anson, Countess of Lichfield, CVO (nee Grosvenor; born 1 February 1949) is a lady-in-waiting to Anne, Princess Royal. She is the daughter of Robert Grosvenor, 5th Duke of Westminster, and The Honorable Viola Lyttelton.
She is the former wife of the late noted society photography, Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield.
Biography
Leonora grew up at Ely Lodge, in Blaney, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, before attending Sherborne School. In 1967, her father acceded to the Dukedom of Westminster and she became known as Lady Leonora Grosvenor.
In the 1997 New Year Honors, Leonora was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.
She was upgraded to a Commander in the 2020 Birthday Honors.
Since 1979, the Countess has been an extra lady-in-waiting to The Princess Royal
Marriage and Issue
In 1967, she was named debutante of the year. During the season she met photographer Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield. On 8 March 1975, they were married at Chester Cathedral, and became Leonora Countess of Lichfield.
Guests at their wedding included Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark.
They had three children:
-Lady Rose Meriel Margaret Anson (born 27 July 1976)
-Thomas Anson, 6th Earl of Lichfield (born 19 1978)
-Lady Eloise Anne Elizabeth (born 1981), married 2013 Louis Waymouth
The couple were divorced in 1986 and as she has not remarried, the Countess retains her title. Lord Lichfield died on 11 November 2005.
Honors
She was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in the 1997 New Year Honors and Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 2020 Birthday Honors.
Titles and Styles
1 February 1949-25 February 1967: Miss Leonora Mary Grosvenor
25 February 1967-8 March 1975: The Lady Leonora Grosvenor
8 March 1975-1986: The Right Honorable The Countess of Lichfield
1986-30 December 1996: Leonora, Countess of Lichfield
30 December 1996-present: Leonora, Countess of Lichfield, LVO