Lady Annabel Goldsmith, society’s champion hostess, prize invite and matriarch of a sprawling family dynasty of politicians, filmmakers and grandees of the British social scene, has died, it has been announced.
Perhaps best known as the inspiration for Annabel’s, that legendary Berkeley Square nightclub founded by her first husband, Mark Birley, Lady Annabel Goldsmith led an extraordinary life that reads like the plot of a novel, one filled with joy and punctuated with moments of tragedy.
Lady Annabel’s father was the Marquess of Londonderry (of that dynasty of legendary political hosts), and her sister, Lady Jane Rayne Lacey, was a maid of honour at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. She had six children, including Robin Birley, who presides over the royals’ favourite private members club, Oswald’s; financier Ben Goldsmith; Jemima Goldsmith, the fashion muse and filmmaker; and Tory peer Zac Goldsmith, Britain’s most well-connected politician.
Indeed, Lady Annabel was seen just last month when she attended the wedding of son Zac to Hum Fleming, the great-niece of James Bond author Sir Ian Fleming.
While the world bids farewell to an icon whose glamour defined a generation, Lady Annabel’s family and loved ones, including close confidante Princess Michael of Kent, will be mourning the loss of a devoted mother, grandmother, and trusted friend.
Diana, Princess of Wales with Jemima Goldsmith and Lady Annabel Goldsmith
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