Lady Pamela Hicks: A Royal Life Shaped by Unusual Childhood

Lady Pamela Hicks, at 95 years old, has lived a life intertwined with the British Royal Family, being the daughter of Earl Mountbatten of Burma. Growing up, she and her sister Patricia were playmates of Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, which established a lifelong connection to the monarchy. Pamela's experiences include being a bridesmaid at Elizabeth's wedding in 1947 and witnessing the moment when Prince Philip informed Elizabeth of her father's death, marking a pivotal transition in her life as she became Queen. During World War II, Pamela and her sister were sent to America, where they stayed with the prominent society hostess Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt. This period of their lives was marked by the contrast between the opulence of their upbringing and the challenges of war. After the war, Pamela returned to England, where she continued to engage with the royal family and participated in significant events, including a Commonwealth tour with the Queen and Prince Philip in the mid-1950s. Pamela eventually stepped down from her role as lady-in-waiting, expressing relief at no longer needing to attend formal events regularly. Her memoir, part coffee table book and part personal history, captures the essence of a glamorous era filled with lavish parties and notable guests, including European royalty and Hollywood stars. The book is richly illustrated with photographs that evoke the style and charm of a bygone age, making it a touching tribute to a life well-lived among the elite. Lady Pamela Hicks is often regarded as one of the last representatives of her kind, embodying a unique blend of aristocratic heritage and personal history.