Queen suffers more heartbreaking news
Queen Elizabeth II has endured more heartbreak after the death of Lady Farnham four days after Christmas.
The news of Lady Farnham’s death comes mere weeks after the death of the Dowager Duchess of Grafton, Queen Elizabeth II’s most senior ladies-in-waiting and one of her closest confidants.
90-year-old Diana Maxwell - who married the 12th Baron Farnham, Barry Maxwell - served as the Queen’s Lady of the Bedchamber since 1987. She joined the monarch on multiple royal tours and services, including the Queen’s 2011 tour of the Republic of Ireland.
Lady Farnham also rode with the Queen on the way to her 2012 Diamond Jubilee service.
“It is very sad news for the Queen,” a royal source told The Telegraph. “Everyone loved Lady Farnham, she was always so good humoured. She was also a very glamorous and attractive woman. She was always very generous to new people joining the household.
“It has not been a good year for the Queen - losing her husband and then the Duchess of Grafton and now the Lady of Farnham,” the source continued.
“They were dear friends who supported the Queen on official duties. Unfortunately a sad consequence of living a long life is that you have to say goodbye to a lot of people you care about.”
Lady Farnham accompanied Queen Elizabeth II at a service celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Image: Getty Images
Lady Farnham notably sat next to the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations when her late husband, Prince Philip, was unwell and unable to attend.
Born as Diana Marion Gunnis, Lady Farnham married Barry Maxwell - an Irish banker who died in 2001 - in 1959 and shared two adopted children with him: Harriet, 57, and Sophia, 54.
The couple also shared three granddaughters and one grandson.
Her personal service to the monarch was recognised in 1998, when the Queen appointed her Commander, Royal Victorian Order.
In 2010, she was appointed Dame Commander, Royal Victorian Order - an award made by the Queen to recognise services to the sovereign.
Image: Getty Images