Lady Pamela Hicks, a close friend of the late Queen and a bridesmaid at her wedding to Prince Philip, was laid to rest today after her recent passing at the age of 97. The funeral service took place at Bartholomew Church in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, in the afternoon. Lady Pamela, daughter of Lord Mountbatten and a cousin to Prince Philip, had served as a lady-in-waiting for Queen Elizabeth II and was by her side in Kenya during the ascension to the throne after the death of King George VI.
Among those paying their final respects at the funeral were Lady Pamela’s immediate family, including her daughter India, who announced her mother’s passing last Friday. Family members gathered to support each other as Lady Pamela’s wicker coffin was brought into the church.
The funeral service coincided with the conclusion of the King’s official birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, in central London earlier in the day, leading to the absence of royals at the ceremony. However, the King expressed his personal condolences following Lady Pamela’s death, highlighting her dedication and service to Queen Elizabeth.
Lady Pamela, born in April 1929, was the youngest daughter of Lord Mountbatten and Edwina Ashley, with close connections to the Royal Family. She played a significant role as one of Princess Elizabeth’s bridesmaids during her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947. Lady Pamela later married David Hicks in 1960, with whom she had children including daughter India.
Throughout her life, Lady Pamela faced personal tragedies, including the loss of her father to an IRA bombing in 1979 and her husband to cancer in 1998. Despite these hardships, she remained a steadfast friend to the late Queen and shared her experiences through various memoirs.
Lady Pamela’s legacy extended to her attendance at significant royal events, including the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, where she represented the oldest living descendant of Queen Victoria. Additionally, she was portrayed in the popular series “The Crown” as a minor character, reflecting her ties to the Royal Family and her unique perspective on historical events.
As the funeral service honored Lady Pamela’s life and contributions, her presence in royal circles and her lasting impact on those who knew her were remembered with fondness and respect.