Who is Lucy van Straubenzee? Princess Charlotte’s Ex-Teacher on Tatler’s List

Since marrying Thomas van Straubenzee, Lucy van Straubenzee has become a prominent figure in royal circles. The Prince and Princess of Wales introduced Lucy, then Lucy Lanigan-O’Keeffe, to Thomas, a lifelong friend of Prince William, and the couple married in 2020.

Lucy, 36, is a leading mindfulness and outdoor learning figure at Thomas’s Battersea, a renowned prep school previously attended by Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Her style has garnered significant attention, earning her eighth place on Tatler’s best-dressed list for 2024. Tatler praised her recent ensemble at the Duke of Westminster’s wedding, highlighting her elegance. She wore a slate blue silk dress, paired with £91.65 Nine West nude platform heels, a £105 navy straw boater by Adele The Dress Fitter, and a £45 weaved clutch bag from John Lewis.

Originally from Thomastown in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Lucy married Thomas in July 2020 at Chelsea Old Church, southwest London. She also coordinates social action projects for Thomas’s schools across London and has developed a close bond with Kate Middleton, partially due to her support during Lucy’s cancer diagnosis. Over the years, Lucy has been welcomed into royal circles, attending numerous events and socializing with figures like Sarah Ferguson and Princess Eugenie.

In 2020, Lucy and Thomas joined the royals for the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate, further cementing their position within the royal fold. Lucy has consistently showcased her fashion expertise, blending high street and designer pieces. At Royal Ascot, she wore a vibrant green poplin shirt dress by Jonathan Simkhai, priced at £445, accessorized with a floral fascinator, a £30 Zara ‘City’ bag, and platform shoes. During a night out, she was seen in a royal blue bandage dress by Herve Leger, worth £400.

Lucy and Thomas have two children. At their wedding, Lucy was expecting their first child, a daughter named Mary, and they welcomed a son, Albert, two years later. Their wedding faced significant disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic, including a three-month delay and a reduction in guest numbers. Initially, Prince William was supposed to be an usher, and Princess Charlotte was set to be a bridesmaid.

Thomas’s previous marriage was to Lady Melissa ‘Missy’ Percy in 2013, an event famously dubbed the ‘Royal Wedding of the North.’ Guests included Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Pippa Middleton. The couple divorced in 2016, with Thomas’s ‘unreasonable behaviour’ being cited as the reason for the breakup. Melissa, known as the Hogwarts Heiress due to her upbringing at Alnwick Castle, distanced herself from the royal scene following their divorce.

Thomas, now a partner at the estate agency Knight Frank, met Prince William at Ludgrove School. The van Straubenzee family, known for their military gentry background, has long-standing ties with the Royal Family. Thomas’s grandfather, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry van Straubenzee, served with distinction. His uncle, William van Straubenzee, was a friend of Princess Diana.

Thomas’s younger brother, Charlie, is one of Prince Harry’s closest friends. The van Straubenzee family faced tragedy when Thomas’s brother, Henry, died in a car crash at 18 in 2002. Deeply affected, Princes William and Harry became patrons of a charity established in Henry’s memory. Thomas was favored by Queen Elizabeth and frequently visited Balmoral. It is believed that she recommended his inclusion in Prince William’s first official overseas tour to New Zealand on her behalf.

Thomas had key roles in royal weddings, delivering a speech at William and Kate’s wedding in 2011, and he, along with Charlie, served as ushers at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018. With her royal connections, fashion sense, and professional accomplishments, Lucy van Straubenzee has firmly established herself in both royal and social circles.

Source: Daily Mail