Lady Pamela Hicks, Queen Elizabeth II confidante dies at 97

Lady Pamela Hicks, a lifelong friend and confidante of the late Queen Elizabeth II and a first cousin of Prince Philip, has died at the age of 97. Her daughter, the designer India Hicks, announced the news on social media, stating her mother died peacefully on Friday, June 5.

India Hicks shared a tribute, writing that while there is no tragedy in the death of a 97-year-old who lived a full life, grief would be unavoidable. She described her mother as providing incomparable company, carrying her remarkable memories lightly and with humor. She added that her mother maintained, right to the end, an impeccable style, sharp mind, and effortless charm that made her not only a cherished institution but truly the last of her kind.

Born Pamela Mountbatten in April 1929, she was the youngest daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India and a mentor to King Charles III, and his wife, Edwina. Her family’s close ties to the royal family defined much of her life. In 1947, she served as one of eight bridesmaids at the wedding of then-Princess Elizabeth to her cousin, Prince Philip.

She subsequently served as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Elizabeth and was with her in Kenya in...