The wife of a duke who has a major role at the Coronation has died following a short illness, it has been announced.
A family statement has confirmed the death of the Duchess of Buccleuch, who has passed away aged 68 following an operation.
Her death comes just days before her husband the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensferry, Richard Scott, is due to take a ceremonial role in King Charles' Coronation ceremony by carrying the the Sceptre with Cross during the service. It's not yet clear if he will still take part.
The duchess, born in 1954 as Lady Elizabeth Kerr, married the current duke in 1981 and went on to have four children.
Benny Higgins, the executive chairman of Buccleuch – which manages the business interests of the family, said: "The Duke of Buccleuch and his family have announced that, very sadly, on Sunday morning the duchess died after a short illness following an operation.
"The duchess was the most wonderful, life-enhancing spirit and our hearts go out to the family as they come to terms with their loss."
The duchess was educated at London School of Economics, gaining a bachelor's degree in sociology, before going on to work on BBC Radio 4's Kaleidoscope programme and then moving to BBC Radio Solway after marrying the Duke.
Her primary interest, however, was in the arts, with the duchess founding the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, a leading literary award for which she served as a judge.
She subsequently established the Young Walter Scott Prize for aspiring writers.
The duchess was also involved in a number of other arts organisations, serving as the chairwoman of Scottish Ballet and the Heritage Education Trust as well as a trustee of the National Museums of Scotland and the British Museum.
She is survived by her husband, four children and 11 grandchildren. There will be a private family service in the Scottish Borders, with a service to celebrate her life to be announced at a later date.
The Duke of Buccleuch is a hereditary title with the current duke the 10th holder of the title, which was established in 1663.
The current duke is also one of the biggest landowners in Scotland and counts Princess Margaret as one of his godparents.
The spectre, which he is due to carry at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, was last seen at the funeral of the late Queen in September.
According to the Royal Collection Trust, it "represents the sovereign's temporal power and is associated with good governance".
