Anne Murray, Duchess of AthollVA (néeAnne Home-Drummond; 17 June 1814 – 22 May 1897), and known as the Lady Glenlyon between 1839–46, as the Duchess of Atholl between 1846–64 and as the Dowager Duchess of Atholl between 1864–97, was a Scottish aristocrat and courtier. For 55 years, she was a close friend of Queen Victoria, who referred to her as "the dear Duchess".[1]
The Duke of Atholl died in 1864, and Anne became the Dowager Duchess of Atholl. In 1892, when Gladstone again came to power, his policy of Home Rule for Ireland had alienated many of the upper classes, and no lady of ducal rank could be found who was willing to serve as Mistress of the Robes. The post therefore remained vacant, while the Dowager Duchess of Atholl and the Duchess of Roxburghe performed the duties of the office.
The Duchess of Atholl died at Dunkeld House, Perthshire, in May 1897, aged 82.[1] The Queen sent her telegrams every two hours during the last hours of her life.[2]
She was buried in the Murray family vault at the Old Blair churchyard.[5]