Lily Langtry

Née Emilie Charlotte Le Breton. 1853 - 1929. Nicknamed Jersey Lily. British actress.Second Misstress of Edward VII.

Childhood and early years

Lily Langtry was born 13th October 1853. Her parents were Reverend William Corbet Le Breton and his wife Emilie. She grew up with six brothers. She was educated by their brother’s tutor and became unusually well educated for women of the time. The relationship to her brothers also let her grow up to a tough and strong young woman.

First Marriage

Lily was one of the most beautiful girls on the island Jersey and got her first proposal at the age of 14 years. Already in young years Lily had the intention not to marry a local as she wants to leave the island Jersey and live in the high society of London. In 1874 she married the Irish landowner Edward Langtry because of his yacht and because he intended to take her away to London. But her dreams were not fulfilled. She was left alone in the house in Southampton with only the servants for company. So she got very bored and became very ill (typhoid fever). The doctor recommended to her husband that she needed a complete change which would be fulfilling her wish to go to London.

London

Right after their moving to London in 1875 Lily’s younger brother Reggie died in a riding accident. That’s why she wore a simple black figure hugging dress at a reception she was invited to by one of her father's friends the 7th Viscount Ranelagh at his home in Lownes Square. In this way she attracted the intention as young woman of natural beauty. But the guests were also impressed by her intelligent conversation outspoken views and wit. After this reception she got more invitations to other events

Official Mistress

Albert Edward the Prince of Wales hears of Lily and wanted to meet her. So a discreet dinner party was arranged at Sir Allen Young London home. He was very impressed by her Beauty, knowledge and diplomacy and Lily soon became his mistress to the exclusion of all others. Edward’s wife knew of his affairs but ignored them. Lily was invited together with the Prince and was seen with him in public for example at sporting and social events. They also had their own place together in Bournemouth's East Cliff. Lily was treated as today’s film stars. Everyone wanted to know what she is wearing or doing. The affair lasted around three years. Afterwards Lily had a relationship with Edward’s nephew Prince Louis of Battenberg. She became pregnant and in 1881 her only daughter Jeanne Marie was born. She was raised mostly in Jersey as Lily’s niece.

Actress Career

Having a child and a bankrupt husband Lily had to start working to keep her living standard. As her options were limited she decided at the suggestion of her close friend Oscar Wilde to become an actress. She was very successful in her debut in 1881 in a charity production. Afterwards she started her own troupe. Her roles usually reflected society women of beauty and charm. She became even more famous as an actress. Lily also played in one film in 1913 and worked on the stage until the age of seventy.

America

Having great success in England Lily decided to go to America and managed her own theatre company. She played to full houses and later led a winery and had horses which she let take part in horse races. In America she was as famous as in England. She became an American citizen in 1887 to be divorced from her husband

Second Marriage

In 1899, she married the much younger Hugo de Bathe and became Lady de Bathe Lady de Bathe. The marriage was not successful; nevertheless they never got divorced but lived next to each other.

Death

With older age she moved to Monaco and lived in her villa "Le Lys". Her biggest pride was her garden. She died there in 1929.

Sources

http://www.lillielangtry.com/

http://www.fembio.org/english/biography.php/woman/biography/lillie-langtry/

http://www.theislandwiki.org/index.php/Lillie_Langtry