Friends, family, Royals and 600 domestic staff mourn together at Chatsworth House funeral for 'Debo', the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire and last of the Mitford sisters

  • Born Deborah Mitford in 1920, she was youngest of the Mitford girls whose aristocratic lifestyle mesmerised public
  • Hundreds of members of public turned out to pay tribute to the Dowager, who died last Wednesday, aged 94
  • 600 staff lined route as cortege departed from Chatsworth House for the funeral at St Peter's Church, Edensor   
  • Elvis Presley's How Great Thou Art featured in service, while brass band played New York, New York during burial
  • Prince Charles scattered earth on her wicker coffin as she was laid to rest next to her husband, Andrew Cavendish
  • The Dowager was obsessed with Elvis, enjoyed keeping chickens and country pursuits and hated Tony Blair
  • She was friends with JFK and Winston Churchill and once had tea with Hitler with whom her sister was besotted
  • 'Debo' married Lord Andrew Cavendish in 1941 and moved into Chatsworth estate, dedicating her life to its running
  • She had seven children of whom three survived - the 12th Duke Peregrine, 70, Lady Emma, 71, and Lady Sophia, 57

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Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were among the hundreds of mourners who gathered this afternoon for the funeral of the last of the famous Mitford sisters, The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire.

Stirring scenes unfolded as the cortege departed from Chatsworth House - the family seat of the Devonshires and the place to which she devoted her life - before snaking its way through the spectacular Derbyshire landscape.

In a fitting tribute, more than 600 members of staff from the stately home - dressed in traditional livery - lined the mile-long route from Chatsworth to nearby St Peter's Church in estate village Edensor where the service was held. 

The royal mourners walked behind the hearse, just after the Dowager's son, the current Duke of Devonshire, and other close family members, as it weaved slowly through the rolling estate.

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Close friend Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were among the mourners who gathered to pay tribute to the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire at St Peter's Church in Edensor, Derbyshire, this afternoon 

Close friend Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were among the mourners who gathered to pay tribute to the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire at St Peter's Church in Edensor, Derbyshire, this afternoon 

The cortege set off from Chatsworth House, the place to which the Dowager dedicated her life. The house, farmyard, stables and restaurants were closed to the public today as a sign of respect

The cortege set off from Chatsworth House, the place to which the Dowager dedicated her life. The house, farmyard, stables and restaurants were closed to the public today as a sign of respect

The royal mourners walked behind the hearse, just after the current Duke of Devonshire and other close family members, as it moved slowly through the spectacular landscape

The royal mourners walked behind the hearse, just after the current Duke of Devonshire and other close family members, as it moved slowly through the spectacular landscape

Fitting: In a fitting tribute, some 600 staff from the stately home dressed in traditional livery as they prepared to line the route to the funeral service 

Fitting: In a fitting tribute, some 600 staff from the stately home dressed in traditional livery as they prepared to line the route to the funeral service 

They were joined by hundreds of members of the public who also lined the driveway leading to Chatsworth House

They were joined by hundreds of members of the public who also lined the driveway leading to Chatsworth House

In stirring scenes, the cortege snaked through the grounds and travelled the mile-long route through the park to the church

In stirring scenes, the cortege snaked through the grounds and travelled the mile-long route through the park to the church

In a nod to the hands on attitude of the Dowager, staff played a key role in today's events - firstly lining the route of the hearse and later helping to carry the Dowager's coffin into the service

In a nod to the hands on attitude of the Dowager, staff played a key role in today's events - firstly lining the route of the hearse and later helping to carry the Dowager's coffin into the service

Fr the best part of a mile, all the way from the West Door, through the park and on to the village church, staff and well-wishers lined the route to bow and join in with the extraordinary procession

The procession took around half an hour to make its way through the 35,000 acre estate towards the church. The entire route was dotted with members of staff

Known as 'Debo' to her family and friends, the Dowager was adored by the public and represented a bygone era of an aristocratic lifestyle that no longer exists

Known as 'Debo' to her family and friends, the Dowager was adored by the public and represented a bygone era of an aristocratic lifestyle that no longer exists

The sheer amount of people who snaked through the beautiful grounds to pay tribute to the Dowager shows the high regard in which she was held

The sheer amount of people who snaked through the beautiful grounds to pay tribute to the Dowager shows the high regard in which she was held

The hearse was  driven away from Chatsworth to the church, as members of the public who lined the street stood still and bowed their heads 

The hearse was driven away from Chatsworth to the church, as members of the public who lined the street stood still and bowed their heads 

The Dowager's coffin was carried into St Peter's Church, where 200 mourners gathered. Hundreds more waited on the green in the village where they watched the service on two large screens

The Dowager's coffin was carried into St Peter's Church, where 200 mourners gathered. Hundreds more waited on the green in the village where they watched the service on two large screens

After her death was announced, Prince Charles paid tribute to his close friend, saying: 'My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, whom both of us adored and admired greatly'

After her death was announced, Prince Charles paid tribute to his close friend, saying: 'My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, whom both of us adored and admired greatly'

The Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, appeared visibly moved as they attended the funeral of the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire 

The Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, appeared visibly moved as they attended the funeral of the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire 

Andrew Parker Bowles, pictured with his former wife
Duchess of Cornwall

Andrew Parker Bowles, pictured left with his former wife the Duchess of Cornwall - who is pictured left and right - was also at the funeral to pay his respects

The current Duke of Devonshire, Duke 'Stoker' Peregrine, 70, is one of the Dowager's three surviving children, including Lady Emma, 71, and Lady Sophia, 57

The current Duke of Devonshire, Duke 'Stoker' Peregrine, 70, is one of the Dowager's three surviving children, including Lady Emma, 71, and Lady Sophia, 57

The Prince, pictured with the Duchess of Cornwall and Canon Dave Perkins, followed the Dowager's son, Stoker, 70, the current Duke, in scattering earth on the coffin

The Prince, pictured with the Duchess of Cornwall and Canon Dave Perkins, followed the Dowager's son, Stoker, 70, the current Duke, in scattering earth on the coffin

Prince Charles - pictured here with the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of Devonshire - has been friends with the Dowager for many years

Prince Charles - pictured here with the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of Devonshire - has been friends with the Dowager for many years

The cortege began at Chatsworth House. No memorial service was held 'as were her express instructions' but the garden at Chatsworth opened in the afternoon

The cortege began at Chatsworth House. No memorial service was held 'as were her express instructions' but the garden at Chatsworth opened in the afternoon

Outside the church, hundreds of members of the public crowded onto the village green to follow the funeral service, which was projected onto two giant screens in anticipation of the sheer number of people who would turn out.

Meanwhile, around 200 mourners packed into the church for the service, as her wicker basket coffin - which was adorned with holly and other woodland foliage - was carried into the church by pallbearers, including the estate's head gamekeeper.

The order of service then began with the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy. It also included the Elvis Presley song How Great Thou Art - a touching tribute to the Dowager's love for the singer.

After the 30-minute service, led by Canon Dave Perkins, mourners gathered around the Cavendish family plot in the grounds for the burial.

There, she was laid to rest next to her husband Andrew Cavendish, as a brass band played New York, New York. Prince Charles followed the Dowager's son in scattering earth onto her coffin.

Their grave stands next to that of Kathleen Kennedy, the sister of President John F Kennedy, who was married to the 10th Duke's eldest son. 

No memorial service was held 'as were her express instructions' and there was no eulogy. But the garden at Chatsworth was open all afternoon for a 'celebration of her life'.

On the Chatsworth website, the Duke of Devonshire had welcomed members of the public along to the funeral, as well as the celebration afterwards at the stately home.

He asked for any donations to be made to The Helen's Trust, which supports the terminally ill and the Addington Fund, which helps farming families. Both charities were supported by the Dowager.

A book of condolences was also available for people to sign in Flora's Temple in Chatsworth Garden.

Deborah Vivien Cavendish died peacefully last Wednesday morning at the age of 94. She ws the last of the six Mitford sisters, who enthralled the public with their aristocratic lifestyle, political controversies and romantic scandals. 

The 30-minute service, led by Canon Dave Perkins,  began with the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy and also included Elvis Presley's How Great Thou Art - a fitting tribute to the Dowager's love of the singer

The 30-minute service, led by Canon Dave Perkins,  began with the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy and also included Elvis Presley's How Great Thou Art - a fitting tribute to the Dowager's love of the singer

The Dowager's wicker coffin was taken away from the church by six pallbearers, who included the head gamekeeper at the estate

The Dowager's wicker coffin was taken away from the church by six pallbearers, who included the head gamekeeper at the estate

 Her coffin was adorned with woodland foliage, showing the Dowager's love for the Derbyshire countryside where she lived for most of her life

 Her coffin was adorned with woodland foliage, showing the Dowager's love for the Derbyshire countryside where she lived for most of her life

The mourners walked from the church to the Cavendish family plot for the burial, while lively jazz music played in the background

The mourners walked from the church to the Cavendish family plot for the burial, while lively jazz music played in the background

The Dowager Duchess was laid to rest  next to her husband Andrew Cavendish, as the brass band played New York, New York

The Dowager Duchess was laid to rest next to her husband Andrew Cavendish, as the brass band played New York, New York

Their grave stands next to that of Kathleen Kennedy, the sister of President John F Kennedy, who was married to the 10th Duke's eldest son

Their grave stands next to that of Kathleen Kennedy, the sister of President John F Kennedy, who was married to the 10th Duke's eldest son

The Duke of Devonshire, pictured here with Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Andrew Parker Bowles, said after her death this his mother 'never complained much about anything'

The Duke of Devonshire, pictured here with Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Andrew Parker Bowles, said after her death this his mother 'never complained much about anything'

In the village of Edensor, where Debo had retired to one half of the Old Vicarage, hundreds of locals had gathered on the green below St Peter’s Church, where two screens had been set up 

Members of the public gathered on the village green outside the church to watch the service, which was broadcast onto two large screens 

Hundreds - if not thousands - of members of the public descended on the small village in Derbyshire to play a part in the Dowager's funeral 

Hundreds - if not thousands - of members of the public descended on the small village in Derbyshire to play a part in the Dowager's funeral 

The service was  held at St Peter's Church in estate village Edensor, Derbyshire, before a 'celebration of her life' was held in the garden at Chatsworth

The service was held at St Peter's Church in estate village Edensor, Derbyshire, before a 'celebration of her life' was held in the garden at Chatsworth

An extraordinary life, the Dowager moved in the same circles as Winston Churchill, John F Kennedy and Evelyn Waugh and epitomised a privileged and glamorous lifestyle that no longer exists.

Over the years she had tea with Hitler, called the Kennedys family friends and developed a strong bond with painter Lucian Freud, leaving eggs from her chickens on his doorstep whenever she was in London.  

She also had a love of Elvis and even made a trip by private plane to Graceland, his house in Tennessee, in 1977. It was said she always dreamed the singer was still alive and would one day appear at her farm shop. 

In a statement after her death, the Prince of Wales said: 'My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, whom both of us adored and admired greatly. 

'She was a unique personality with a wonderfully original approach to life, and a memorable turn of phrase to match that originality. 

The Prince of Wales would go to Chatsworth each October to start writing the huge pile of Christmas cards which he is expected to send every year

The Prince of Wales would go to Chatsworth each October to start writing the huge pile of Christmas cards which he is expected to send every year

He said in a public statement after her death that both he and his wife - Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall - were deeply saddened by the Dowager's death 

He said in a public statement after her death that both he and his wife - Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall - were deeply saddened by the Dowager's death 

He has previously told how he would miss the Dowager 'terribly' and she had a 'wonderful original approach to life'

He has previously told how he would miss the Dowager 'terribly' and she had a 'wonderful original approach to life'

'The joy, pleasure and amusement she gave to so many, particularly through her books, as well as the contribution she made to Derbyshire throughout her time at Chatsworth, will not easily be forgotten and we shall miss her so very much.' 

Known as 'Debo' to family and friends, the Dowager probably led the most normal life out of the famous sisters - Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity and Jessica - whose eccentric upbringing in Swinbrook House, Oxfordshire, is well documented. 

Unity was a fervent admirer of Hitler and took tea with him in Berlin cafes, once inviting Debo along. When war was declared, Unity shot herself in the head with a revolver, unable to bear the thought of conflict between Britain and Germany. Jessica ran away from home at 17 and eloped with a communist to fight in the Spanish Civil War. 

Her sister Diana, known as Honks, married the founder of the British Union of Fascists Oswald Mosley, in a civil ceremony in Joseph Goebbels' drawing room in Berlin in 1936. Hitler was the only other guest.

But the Dowager kept things more simple, marrying Andrew Cavendish in 1941, who succeeded his father as 11th Duke of Devonshire in 1950.

When she was in her 30s, the couple moved into the family estate, making her the chatelaine of Chatsworth House.

At that time, Chatsworth had been neglected for decades, but Debo set about transforming it into one of the most visited country estates in England. 

After the service, the gardens of the stately home were opened to members of the public for a garden party, to celebrate the life of the Dowager

After the service, the gardens of the stately home were opened to members of the public for a garden party, to celebrate the life of the Dowager

The Duke of Devonshire had previously said that all members of the public were welcome to both the celebration and the service 

The Duke of Devonshire had previously said that all members of the public were welcome to both the celebration and the service 

The Prince of Wales had afternoon tea and spoke with friends and family of the Dowager during the celebration at Chatsworth House

The Prince of Wales had afternoon tea and spoke with friends and family of the Dowager during the celebration at Chatsworth House

The Duchess of Cornwall also spoke with other mourners at the afternoon event. The gardens were opened from 1pm for the afternoon
The Duchess of Cornwall

The Duchess of Cornwall, pictured left and right, also spoke with other mourners at the afternoon event. The gardens were opened from 1pm for the afternoon

These gentlemen and lady, dressed in tweed, were at Chatsworth today to pay tribute to the last of the Mitford sisters

These gentlemen and lady, dressed in tweed, were at Chatsworth today to pay tribute to the last of the Mitford sisters

The mourners were invited to join in with a tea party in the stunning garden at Chatsworth. A book of condolences was also available for people to sign in Flora's Temple

The mourners were invited to join in with a tea party in the stunning garden at Chatsworth. A book of condolences was also available for people to sign in Flora's Temple

This member of staff prepared to take photos of the momentous scenes which unfolded today at the historical stately home 

This member of staff prepared to take photos of the momentous scenes which unfolded today at the historical stately home 

Those who had worked with the Dowager were clearly moved by her death. She would often be seen behind the shop counter at Chatsworth and was said to be very hands on

Those who had worked with the Dowager were clearly moved by her death. She would often be seen behind the shop counter at Chatsworth and was said to be very hands on

The Dowager Duchess was passionate about Chatsworth and brought the historical building out of near dilapidation, restoring the state rooms with paintings and furniture

The Dowager Duchess was passionate about Chatsworth and brought the historical building out of near dilapidation, restoring the state rooms with paintings and furniture

She oversaw the restoration of paintings and furniture to the state rooms, as well as the addition of a farm shop, cafe, restaurant and gift shop. Visitors would often see her behind the shop counter and at Christmas, she would decorate the corridors with garlands of tinsel.

Prince Charles used to visit the house in October to start signing the flurry of Christmas cards he was expected to send each year. Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, Andrew's uncle by marriage, visited often too.

But perhaps its most famous visitor was President Kennedy, whose sister Kathleen had been married to Andrew's brother, Billy Cavendish, before his death.

When she was buried at Chatsworth after being killed in a plane crash, Kennedy visited her grave in 1963, flying in on a helicopter. Debo and JFK were fond friends. 

Unlike her sisters - who were embroiled in scandal - the Dowager's biggest scandal was confessing to having a love for the music of Elvis. She also enjoyed keeping chickens and was interested in art.

After her death, the Prince of Wales paid tribute to her 'unique personality and wonderfully original approach to life'. She is pictured here in 2011
The Duchess, pictured in 1982, was made Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) in 1999 for her service to the Royal Collection Trust

The Duchess: Debo, pictured left in 2011 and right in 1982, was made Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) in 1999 for her service to the Royal Collection Trust

Deborah Vivien Cavendish moved in the same circles as Winston Churchill, John F Kennedy and Evelyn Waugh and epitomised a privileged and glamorous aristocratic lifestyle that no longer exists 

Deborah Vivien Cavendish moved in the same circles as Winston Churchill, John F Kennedy and Evelyn Waugh and epitomised a privileged and glamorous aristocratic lifestyle that no longer exists 

The Duchess kept chickens, and would leave their eggs on Lucian Freud's doorstep when she visited London. She was a staunch defender of country pursuits 

The Duchess kept chickens, and would leave their eggs on Lucian Freud's doorstep when she visited London. She was a staunch defender of country pursuits 

She had seven children with her husband, only three of whom survived. Three of their children died within hours of being born.

While bringing up their children, the Devonshires were deeply involved in the management and planning of the 17th century stately home and its grounds. The Duchess took on a major role in running the house and its 105-acre garden, while maintaining its extensive art collection.   

She was made a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) in 1999 for her service to the Royal Collection Trust.

The Dowager was also known from being a staunch defender of country pursuits. She hated Tony Blair and spoke out against the Government's proposed ban on fox hunting in 2002, saying she and her husband would be prepared to break the law to allow the sport to continue on their estate.

Deborah Mitford: A portrait taken on her 18th birthday. She was the youngest of the six Mitford sisters 

Deborah Mitford: A portrait taken on her 18th birthday. She was the youngest of the six Mitford sisters 

A rare pictured of the Mitford family together, pictured in 1935. From left: Unity - who took tea with Hitler - Tom, Debo, Diana, Jessica, Nancy and Pamela

A rare pictured of the Mitford family together, pictured in 1935. From left: Unity - who took tea with Hitler - Tom, Debo, Diana, Jessica, Nancy and Pamela

Further glimpses into the lives of the controversial and entertaining Mitfords were given when a small part of their letters was published in 2008 after being edited by Charlotte Mosley, daughter-in-law to Mitford sister Diana.  

None of the girls was sent to school as their father, 'Farve', David Freeman-Mitford, later second Baron Redesdale, didn't think girls needed an education.

Instead they lived in isolation in Oxfordshire, first at Asthall Manor and then at Swinbrook House, surrounded by their pets which included a sheep called Miranda, goats, rats, ponies, dogs and snakes, hunting, skating and making up family jokes. Their mother used to breed chickens to make money. 

Chatsworth House contains one of the most important art collections in the country and the Dowager was one of the first trustees of the Royal Collection Trust when it was formed in 1993.

The Trust funds the conservation work needed to maintain the Royal Collection - a huge amount of artwork amassed by monarchs over the centuries - and she served for two terms before retiring in 1998.  

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, pictured at the Dorchester Hotel in 1955, moved to Chatsworth in 1959 where Debo devoted her life to running the estate with her husband

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, pictured at the Dorchester Hotel in 1955, moved to Chatsworth in 1959 where Debo devoted her life to running the estate with her husband

The Duchess, pictured at Chatsworth in 1978 when she was 58, oversaw the restoration of paintings and furniture to the state rooms and the construction of a farm shop, cafe, restaurant and gift shop at the house

The Duchess, pictured at Chatsworth in 1978 when she was 58, oversaw the restoration of paintings and furniture to the state rooms and the construction of a farm shop, cafe, restaurant and gift shop at the house

 

 

 

  

Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall at Dowager Duchess of Devonshire funeral

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