Was Princess Diana's Grandmother a Tough Woman?
The question lingers whether Princess Diana's grandmother, Ruth Roche Baroness of Fermoy, was a tough woman, especially given her influence on Diana's life and eventual meeting with Prince Charles. From her strategic alliances and the sacrifices she made, it is clear that she embodied strength and resilience.
Toughness in Family Circumstances
Even before Diana's birth, her grandmother, Ruth Roche, demonstrated her tough nature. Despite her commitment to monarchism, she did not hesitate to desert her children for a man who had a house in Scotland. She believed that the price of this was her position in the royal family, a path she deemed more significant than her own children.
While this decision may seem controversial, it highlights her fierce dedication to the royal lineage and her willingness to make tough choices. Her actions were a testament to her strong will and determination, values that might have rubbed off on her granddaughters, including Princess Diana.
Strategic Alliances and Schemes
Roche's tough conduct did not end with her personal life; she was also deeply involved in royal family politics. She schemed with the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowles Lyon, to arrange meetings for her grandchildren. This involvement in family affairs showcases her strategic thinking and ability to plot effectively to achieve her goals.
Perhaps the most notable of her schemes was when she introduced Lady Diana to Prince Charles through Ruth Roche. Despite Diana’s initial hesitations and unhappiness in her marriage to Charles, Roche's efforts underscore her tough and relentless approach to ensuring Diana's future in the royal family. This strategic maneuvering exemplifies her tough nature and her commitment to the values of the royal lineage.
Witness to Historical Events
There is a poignant moment when the resilience and toughness of Roche are on display. A photograph exists showing Diana teaching a Shetland pony on her knees. This image not only highlights Diana's compassion for animals but subtly conveys the strength and dedication that marked her grandmother's character.
Such an image, rendered in a more traditional setting, can be seen as a metaphor for the toughness Roche possessed. Her actions, like teaching a pony, showed her dedication and nurturing nature, values that could have been passed on to the younger generation.
Engineering Love and Legacy
Ruth Roche’s efforts went beyond merely ensuring a meeting between Diana and Charles; she plotted the events that would eventually lead to their relationship. To engineer a meeting with Charles, Roche went to great lengths, even dying in 1993 to witness the outcome of her lifelong efforts. Her tenacity and determination speak volumes about her tough and unyielding nature.
Through her strategic alliances, schemes, and personal sacrifices, Roche left a lasting legacy in the royal family. Her tough and realistic approach to family and royal life was not only a reflection of her strong character but also an inspiration to her grandchildren, including Princess Diana.
Conclusion
Princess Diana's grandmother, Ruth Roche Baroness of Fermoy, was indeed a tough woman. Her tough yet strategic nature shaped not only her own life but also influenced the course of Diana's. Through her actions and decisions, Roche demonstrated a strong will, dedication, and determination that are often associated with resilience and toughness. As a figure who schemed behind the scenes and faced difficult choices for the betterment of her family and the royal lineage, she stands as a testament to the strength of character that can be so influential in royal families.