Ella Atherton

Ella Atherton (11 September 1905 – May 1995) was a Scottish-born actress, fashion model,[1] horse breeder, and Socialite, who married an Indian maharaja, Vijayasinhji Chhatrasinhji in 1940.

[10][11] The success of this silent film, resulted her being the leading actress in Human Cargo (1929) as Sylvia Frescar, alongside David Dunbar.

[1][14] Atherton soon abandoned her acting career, becoming a socialite, catching the attention of an Indian prince, and accompanying him to public events.

As an unofficial consort, she hosted visiting dignitaries and accompanied the maharaja to events overseas, such as the 1939 New York World's Fair.

[20] As a widow, for over two decades, she continued her husband’s legacy as a quality breeder of racing horses, in her own name, as Ella Devi of Rajpipla.

[21][22] Atherton became a long term companion of Maharana Vijayasinhji Chhatrasinhji [23] Maharaja of Rajpipla[24] prior to 1933, and resided at the Indrajit-Padmini Mahal, or Vadia Palace between 1934 and 1939, spending summers with in England.

When not entertaining high society friends, such as the Aga Khan III and British aristocracy at their home in Old Windsor, Berkshire; a 27-roomed Victorian mansion located on Church Road, they were both active within the UK social season from April to August each year.

[32][33] After Indian independence, Maharani Ella Devi, continued to mix within European high society circles, attending events with her husband, including the Epsom races.

Her daughter, Princess Premila of Rajpipla was born in 1949,[35][36] and was educated at Heathfield School, Ascot, and later became a fashion model, a businesswoman and a socialite.