Richard Francis Abel Smith, DL (1933-2004)
Michael Rhodes
aged 71, was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. He served as Vice
Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire from 1991 to 1999.
Richard Francis Abel Smith was born 11 October, 1933, the only son of
Colonel Sir Henry Abel Smith, KCMG, KCVO (descended from the Dukes of
Somerset), by his wife Lady May Cambridge, ony daughter of the 1st (and
last) Earl of Athlone, KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, by his wife HRH
Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, VA, GCVO, GBE, only daughter of
HRH The Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, son of H.M. Queen Victoria.
He was educated at Eton, Sandhurst, and the Royal Agricultural College,
Cirencester.
Career: Royal Horse Guards (The Blues); Escort Commander and ADC to the
Governor of Cyprus, 1957-60; instructor, Royal Military Academy,
Sandhurst, 1960-63; County Commissioner for Scouts (Nottinghamshire),
1966-75; commanded the Sherwood Rangers Squadron, Royal Yeomanry
Regiment, 1967-69 (Honorary Colonel, 1979); High Sheriff of
Nottinghamshire, 1978; Chairman of Sports Aid Foundation, East Midlands
from 1979; farmer at Blidworth Dale, Ravenshead, Nottingham; Deputy
Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire from 1970.
He married in 1960, Marcia, daughter of Major-General Sir Douglas
Kendrew, KCMG, CB, CBE, DSO (who d. 1989), by whom he had one daughter,
Katherine Emma, who m. 1980, the Hon. Hubert Wentworth Beaumont, son of
the Baron Beaumont of Whitley (a life peer).
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, Amelia,
George, Richard and Michael.
Funeral Service at Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire, Tuesday, 18th
January 2005. No Memorial Service at his request.
Source: Daily Telegraph, 30 Dec 2004
Michael Rhodes
Michael Rhodes wrote:
> Richard Abel Smith, DL, who died after a stroke, 23 December, 2004,
> aged 71, was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. He served as Vice
> Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire from 1991 to 1999.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were represented by Major General
Sir Simon Cooper (Extra Equerry) at the Funeral of Colonel Richard Abel
Smith which was held in Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire, 18 January,
2005.
The Prince of Wales was represented by Mr Gerald Ward.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were represented by Sir Michael
Oswald.
The Duke of Kent was represented by Sir Andrew Buchanan, Bt.
Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy was represented by Mrs Peter
Afia.
Source: The Times 19 January, 2005
