The Duchess of Fife of Kinnaird Castle
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, Emma Rutland meets another Duchess: Caroline, Duchess of Fife. Emma Rutland learns about the estate’s rebellious history, the magnificent art collection in the castle, and the many groundbreaking conservation projects developed on the estate.
Have you ever watched Bridgerton, The Crown or Downton Abbey and wondered what it's really like to be a Duchess? If so, this is the podcast for you.
TOP QUOTES:
“In these houses, we are only as able as the team around us. They are precious to you.” - Emma Rutland
“Running these homes; making people happy. It is a joy.” - the Duchess of Fife
“Despite everything, these houses survive.” - Emma Rutland
“The environmental crisis is the biggest threat to us today. Conservation in these stately homes is crucial.” - Emma Rutland
“When people look at these buildings, there’s a great sense of stability. That life goes on.” - Emma Rutland
ABOUT THE GUEST AND STATELY HOME:
Caroline Bunting married her husband, the heir to the Duke of Fife, in 1987. Together, the couple raised their three sons at the magnificent Kinnaird Castle, once home to the 1st Duchess of Fife - Princess Louise, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
The Carnegie Clan have called the lands surrounding Kinnaird -Angus in Scotland, home since the 14th century, and records of a mansion on the estate date back to the 14th century. The Carnegie Clan have been at the centre of Scottish political history for centuries. They supported James II, fought at the battle of Flodden, and supported Mary, Queen of Scots. With the castle’s construction in the 15th century, David Carnegie became Earl of Southesk in 1616. This would begin an illustrious line of nobility in the family, culminating in their ennoblement to Dukes of Fie upon marriage of the 6th Earl of Fife to Louise, the Princess Royal, daughter of King Edward VII. Kinnaird Castle has remained in the family for 600 hundred (Bar a brief confiscation after the Carnegies had supported the Jacobite Rebellion). The castle’s high baronial architectural style has makes it one of the most beautiful stately homes in the UK. The estate boasts an astonishing art collection, and leads the way in conservation within historic homes.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Emma, Duchess of Rutland, grew up far away from the world of the aristocracy. Born Emma Watkins, the Duchess grew up the daughter of a Quaker farmer, in the Welsh countryside. She trained as an opera singer in the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a successful interior designer before meeting her future husband David Manners, the 11th Duke of Rutland, at a dinner party. Their marriage in 1992 thrust Emma into a new world, which included the responsibility of preserving one of the nation's greatest stately homes: Belvoir Castle. While simultaneously running the day to day operations of the castle, and raising five children, the Duchess became fascinated with the history and importance of the other stately homes of the UK. Join Emma as she embarks on a wonderful journey through time, to learn more about the incredible homes that have defined Great Britain and, most importantly, meet the other extraordinary women who work tirelessly in the background, to preserve their homes history and magic for future generations.