Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore and cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, passed away at her home in Melrose at the age of 92. Born Mary Pamela McCorquodale in 1932, she married Fergus Bowes-Lyon, a nephew of the Queen Mother, in 1955.

The couple lived at Glamis Castle, where Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and Prince Charles were frequent guests. Mary was remembered as “a marvellous role model” and “much loved” by her family and community. She once said the Queen had “many joyful recollections” of Glamis and believed her 2022 visit was to “say goodbye.”

Mary was deeply involved in the local Angus community and charity work, supporting causes such as Age Concern, Cancer Relief, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Her dedication made Glamis a beloved tourist spot and cultural hub.

Despite personal losses—her husband in 1987 and son Michael in 2016—she remained active in public service. She once joked she was “the only grandma who’d received a call from space” after a NASA astronaut phoned Glamis.

She is survived by her daughters, Lady Diana Godfrey-Faussett and Lady Elizabeth Leeming, and eleven grandchildren. A Thanksgiving service will be held on May 16 at St. Fergus Kirk in Glamis.