Duchess of Norfolk dies aged 85

A lifelong charity supporter, the Duchess was President of Help the Hospices, the charity which she founded in 1984.

Striving to ensure everyone at the end of life has access to the best possible care, Help the Hospices offers services to support hospice and palliative care professionals as they support their patients.

For her work with Help the Hospices, the Duchess was appointed CBE in 1992.

Supported by her husband the Duke of Norfolk, the Duchess was also honorary joint treasurer of Help the Aged (now Age UK) from 1987 and actively campaigned on behalf of the charity.

Born Anne Mary Teresa Constable-Maxwell in 1927, the Duchess was the eldest daughter of Wing-Commander Gerald Constable-Maxwell, a Knight of Malta and a Papal Chamberlain, who descended from the Barons Herries.

Her mother was American from Dallas, Texas.

In 1949 she married the Hon Miles Fitzalan-Howard, who was heir to his father, Lord Howard of Glossop, to his mother, Baroness Beaumont, and also to the 16th Duke of Norfolk.

He succeeded his mother in 1971, his father in 1972, and his cousin as Duke in 1975.

Miles Fitzalan-Howard passed away in 2002.

The Duchess is survived by her two sons and three daughters including Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk and his family who reside at the family seat of Arundel Castle.

A Requiem Mass will be held at Arundel Cathedral at 12 noon on Friday 19 April, all are welcome.

For attendance please contact Sue Kennard on 01903 883 400.

This will be followed by a private family service at the Fitzalan Chapel within Arundel Castle.

As a mark of respect, Arundel Castle will be closed to the public on Friday 19 April and will reopen to the public on Saturday 20 April.

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