A member of Clan MacDougall, she was the eldest of three daughters of Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert McDougall of Cawston Manor and Sylvia Nordstein.

Her father's family were wealthy due to success in the flour-milling business started by Sir John McDougall.

They married in an Anglican ceremony officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple, at St Mary Church in Norton, Kent on 21 September 1942.

[5] Nadine wore a white satin dress with court train and a Russian pearl headdress with a tulle veil.

[10] The house had previously been requisitioned by the British Army during World War II but was later returned to Nadine.

[7] In 1967, she ensured her daughter was listed in Harper's Bazaar as one of six foreign princesses that were suitable candidates to wed the Prince of Wales.