Secrets of the real Downton
It’s official – the Crawley family is back. Diehard Downton Abbey fans already know a royal visit is afoot in the movie that’s out this month – and the very idea of hosting the King and Queen is sending ripples of anxiety through the entire household.
And no one knows what entertaining on a majestic scale feels like better than the real-life lady of Downton Abbey – Lady Carnarvon of Highclere Castle, where it’s filmed. She has received private royal visits, as well as welcoming thousands of visitors to her home during the castle’s summer season.
The eldest of six daughters, Fiona Aitken married the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, heir to Highclere Castle, in 1999. Although she was a chartered accountant and came from a wealthy family in London, Fiona admits taking onwould have. Now, as it graduates from its TV triumph to monopolise the big screen too, we catch up with Lady Carnarvon to find out what life is like at one of our best-loved stately homes.
