[1] Lady Elizabeth Sackville-West was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on 10 February 1840.

[2] In Buckhurst Park on 18 January 1844 she was married to Francis Russell, a grandson of the late 6th Duke of Bedford and nephew of Lord John Russell, the Whig politician and future Prime Minister.

[2] Elizabeth was appointed Mistress of the Robes to the Queen by Mr Gladstone in 1880, and served in that capacity until 1883.

In 1886, Gladstone's policy of Home Rule had alienated many of the aristocrats in the Liberal Party, and no lady of suitable (i.e., ducal) rank could be found who was willing to serve as Mistress of the Robes.

The Duchess of Bedford performed the duties of the office for the duration of the ministry, but was not appointed to the post by Gladstone.