[1] Elizabeth Harcourt was the daughter of George Venables-Vernon, 1st Baron Vernon (1709–1780) and Martha Harcourt (1715–1794).

She was served as a lady of the Bedchamber to the queen, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, between 1784 and 1817.

She was a great favorite of the queen and described as one of the queen's circle of favorites and personal friends.

[1] The queen encouraged Harcourt to write occasional verse, which she did, on one occasion addressed to Elizabeth Montagu.

[2] Her position as the confidante of the queen was described: Many letters from the correspondence between Elizabeth Harcourt, the queen and other members of the royal family are preserved.