Mary Patricia Nevill, Marchioness of Abergavenny DCVO (20 October 1915[1] – 22 February 2005) was a friend and Lady of the Bedchamber to Elizabeth II.
She was born Mary Patricia Harrison, the daughter of John Harrison of King’s Walden, and his wife, Hon. Margaret Harrison, a daughter of William Levy-Lawson, 3rd Baron Burnham.[2]
On 4 January 1938, she married the John Nevill, Earl of Lewes, who inherited his father's title of Marquess of Abergavenny in 1954, whereupon Patricia became Marchioness of Abergavenny.[2] They had five children:
In 1960 it was suggested to her father (who lived at King's Walden and was a neighbour to the Strathmores' home of St. Paul's Walden Bury) that she become an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber to the Queen; and she held this position from 1960 to 1966. She then became a full Lady of the Bedchamber from 1966 until her retirement in 1987, when she reverted to an Extra Lady until her death.[2]
The Marchioness of Abergavenny died on 22 February 2005, aged 89.[4]
In 1970, Lady Abergavenny was appointed CVO and in 1981 DCVO. In 1969, she received the Grand Decoration in Gold with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria.[5][6]
| Country | Date | Appointment | Ribbon | Post-nominal letters | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 1970 | Commander of the Royal Victorian Order | 
|
CVO | Promoted to DCVO in 1981 |
| United Kingdom | 1981 | Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order | DCVO | ||
| United Kingdom | 6 February 1977 | Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal | 
|
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| United Kingdom | 6 February 2002 | Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal | 
|
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| Austria | Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria | 
|
