She was the daughter of the last viceroy of India, lady-in-waiting to the Queen – and married an eccentric interior decorator who arranged their homes and their hairstyles: Lady Pamela Hicks is one of the last legendary ladies of the British nobility, whose his marked life reflects the dramas and triumphs of the 20th century.
The aristocrat, born at the Ritz in Barcelona in 1929, descends from a generation of personalities such as Deborah Devonshire and Anne Glenconner, who grew up in a universe made of tiaras, tea times and turreted country houses.
At over 90, Lady Pamela has become the star of her daughter India’s Instagram channel, as a charming storyteller and style icon.
A book full of real history
Now India Hicks, who raised five children in the Bahamas and works as a fashion designer, has published an opulent book of pictures and stories from her mother’s life. It’s a must-read for history buffs, royal fans, fashion enthusiasts and those who love quirky stories and British humour.
Lady Pamela appears as the dutiful daughter of her scandalous parents Louis and Edwina Mountbatten, who meets the country’s greats during India’s independence phase and accompanies the young Elizabeth II on trips to the Commonwealth.
She becomes a tragic figure when she loses her father and other relatives in an assassination attempt by the IRA terrorist group in 1979. Lady Pamela also appears in the book as an adventuress who swims with dolphins, rides horses in the Argentine pampas and crosses the Iceland by snowmobile. One can only imagine how exhausting life with her husband must have been – “an unorthodox encounter”.
“Decades of rapid change”
“I wanted the book to show how my mother’s life spanned so many decades of rapid change from the 1920s to today,” India Hicks says of the project, for which she sourced boxes of actual invitations, photos, fashion moments and diaries from the family archives.
“It was remarkable for me to read my mother,at seventeen,describe the situation in India on the brink of civil war,going to Gandhi’s prayer meetings and than accompanying the queen,” Hicks says.
What does the author personally learn as a lesson from her mother’s life? “How to dedicate your life to duty and service to your country,” says India Hicks. “Because duty and service are words that we no longer hear today”.
“Lady Pamela: My Mother’s Extraordinary Years as daughter of the Viceroy of India, Lady-in-Waiting to the queen, and Wife of David Hicks,” was writen by Rizzoli erschienen. (256 pages)
How has Lady Pamela Hicks adapted to the digital age and embraced her popularity on social media?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Lady Pamela Hicks
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Lady Pamela. It’s a true honor to speak wiht you today, equally so with the wealth of history and personality you embody. To begin, could you share with us how your remarkable life has shaped your perspective on the 20th century?
Lady Pamela Hicks: thank you for having me! It has been quite the journey, hasn’t it? Growing up as the daughter of the last Viceroy of India, I was surrounded by amazing moments that defined an era—both the grandeur and the turbulence. Witnessing history unfold around me—from independence movements in India to the evolution of British nobility—has certainly shaped my worldview. I’ve always believed that life is a series of stories just waiting to be told.
Editor: You mention stories; your daughter India has brilliantly captured your life in her recent book. What did it meen for you to have your experiences translated into this “opulent book of pictures and stories”?
Lady Pamela: Ah, the book! It’s an exquisite collection, isn’t it? having those memories preserved in such a gorgeous format is a remarkable gift. India has a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, much like her father. The process allowed us to reminisce together about the past—our family, our adventures, and even the eccentricities of our lives, like my husband’s unique approach to decorating our homes and indeed, even our hairstyles!
Editor: Engaging! You grew up in what many might describe as an enchanting world, filled with tiaras and tradition. How do you think that upbringing affects your role as a storyteller today?
Lady Pamela: Growing up in that environment taught me the importance of history and legacy. Each tiara and tradition had a story of its own, much like the people who wore them. Today, as I share these tales thru social media and other platforms, I endeavor to imbue a sense of charm and humor while highlighting the quirks of British nobility. I find that resonating with people—regardless of background or status—is essential in making history approachable.
Editor: In our contemporary era, you’ve become quite the social media sensation. To what do you attribute this newfound popularity, especially at over 90?
Lady Pamela: Oh, that’s a delightful surprise for me! I suppose it’s about embracing the times and finding joy in the connection technology brings. When India started sharing snippets of my life, I think people were drawn to the authenticity of our stories—the laughter, the adventures, the little details that paint a complete picture. I like to think that age is just a number, and if I can inspire laughter and joy through my tales, then I am quite content!
Editor: Speaking of inspiration, what would you say to current and future generations about the importance of preserving history through storytelling?
Lady Pamela: I would encourage them not to underestimate the power of storytelling. our histories shape our identities and understanding of the world. By sharing our tales—be they grand or mundane—we create a tapestry of experiences that can teach, inspire, and unite us all. Stories connect us, reminding us of our shared humanity amidst a rapidly changing world.
Editor: Wise words, indeed! Lady Pamela, thank you for sharing your insights and for giving us a glimpse into your world. Your legacy, much like the stories you tell, continues to thrive and inspire many.
Lady Pamela: Thank you! It has been a pleasure to chat. Remember, every day is an prospect to create new stories—so go out there and make them count!