Dame Shân Legge-Bourke, the esteemed Welsh public figure and long-serving lady-in-waiting to Princess Anne, has died at the age of 82. Her family confirmed that she passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her children.
Describing her loss on social media, the family wrote: “We are devastated to lose our mother. She was an inspiration to us all, and to the many people she met during her years of service to Wales and the numerous organisations she supported.” They added that her legacy endures at Glanusk Estate, the family home in Wales, and across the wider countryside.
Dame Shân’s career in public service spanned decades. She served as Lord Lieutenant of Powys until 2018 and chaired the Brecon and Radnor County and Land Association. In addition to her role with the Princess Royal, she was often a companion to Queen Elizabeth II and other senior royals at public engagements, reinforcing her long-standing connection to the monarchy.
The Glanusk Estate, which she inherited in 1948 from her father, William Bailey, was frequently a place of welcome for members of the royal family. Prince William and Prince Harry, who were cared for as children by her daughter, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, are said to have maintained a close relationship with Dame Shân over the years. Tiggy, who served as the princes’ nanny from 1993, later attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018 and is godmother to their eldest son, Archie.
Known for her hands-on approach to country life, Dame Shân featured in the 2006 BBC Wales documentary The Lady of Glanusk, where she discussed her love for nature and rural pursuits. She reflected on growing up on the estate, saying she had been encouraged to take part in all aspects of life there, from farming tasks to gardening and animal care.
Dame Shân is survived by her three children and seven grandchildren. Her death comes amid a period of personal loss for the family; earlier this year, Tiggy’s stepson Edward Pettifer passed away at the age of 31.
Members of the royal family who had visited Wales over the years often relied on Dame Shân’s guidance and hospitality. King Charles, for instance, spent time fishing at Glanusk during his student years at Aberystwyth in 1969.
