Lord Rupert Nevill

Eton College where Lord Rupert was educated

The younger son of The 4th Marquess of Abergavenny and Isabel Nellie Larnach, daughter of James Walker Larnach and Lady Isabel Lettice Theodosia Boyle, daughter of The 9th Earl of Cork and Orrery. His name was legally changed to Rupert Charles Montacute Nevill.

Lord Rupert was educated at Eton College, Windsor, Berkshire.

Both Lord Rupert and his wife Lady Rupert Nevill were childhood friends of Queen Elizabeth.[3] Lord and Lady Rupert were always referred to at court as the ‘little people’ because of their dainty stature.[4]

During the Second World War, Lord Rupert gained the rank of Captain in the service of the Life Guards and served as Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-General Sir Brian Horrocks during the allied advance in 1945, and continued as Aide-de-Camp until 1947.

Lord Rupert served as Chairman of the British Olympic Association from 1966 to 1977 and President of the association from 1977 until his death in 1982, being succeeded in this role by Anne, Princess Royal.[5] He was President of the British Show Jumping Associaiton between 1973 and 1976.

Lord Rupert served as president of the National YMCA from 1966 (vice-chairman 1963-1966), President of the Metropolitan Union of YMCA from 1956, and a member of the World Council of YMCA from 1956.[6].

He was a member of the Uckfield Rural District Council (1949–1967), and of the Sussex County Council (1954–1967). Lord Rupert held office of Justice of Peace of Sussex from 1953 and Deputy Lieutenant of Sussex in 1960. He also held office of High Sheriff of Sussex between 1952 and 1953. Lord Rupert again held the office of Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex in 1960 was a member of the Sussex St John's Council from 1952 (chairman from 1966).

Lord Rupert was Treasurer to the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh from 1970 to 1982 and his Private Secretary from 1976 to 1982.

Lord Rupert was one of the godparents to David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon.[7]

Horsted Place, where Lord and Lady Rupert Nevill lived

He married Lady Anne Camilla Evelyn ("Micky") Wallop, daughter of The 9th Earl of Portsmouth and Mary Lawrence Post, on 22 April 1944. They had four children and six grandchildren:

• Guy Rupert Gerard Nevill (29 March 1945 – 5 February 1993), godson of Elizabeth II;[8] he married Lady Beatrix Mary Lambton, daughter of Antony Lambton, 6th Earl of Durham.
• Lady Angela Isabel Mary Nevill (b. 2 January 1948), a bridesmaid at the wedding of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones;[9] married William Keating (d. 4 November 1998) on 12 March 1994.[10]
• Christopher George Charles Nevill, 6th Marquess of Abergavenny (b. 23 April 1955), married Venetia V. Maynard. They had twins:[11]
  • George Rupert Gerard Nevill (27 June 1990 – 15 September 1990)
  • Lady Sophie Alice Augusta Nevill (b. 27 June 1990)
• Lady Henrietta Emily Charlotte Nevill (b. 21 June 1964), goddaughter of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh;[12] married Lt. Col. Timothy Purbrick. They have four children:
  • Lily Anne Purbrick (b. 4 November 1997)
  • Rose Geraldine Purbrick (b. 4 November 1997)
  • Guy Rupert William Purbrick (b. 9 May 2000)
  • May Angela Purbrick (b. 21 March 2004)

Lord Rupert Nevill died on 19 July 1982 aged 59, his memorial service was held at St Margaret's Westminster[13] and he was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Eridge.

He was vested as a Knight of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (K.St.J.) in 1972 and he was appointed Commander, Royal Victorian Order (C.V.O.) in 1978[14].

• Profile: Lord Rupert Charles Montecute Nevill