Frances Manners, Duchess of Rutland

Frances Helen Manners, Duchess of Rutland, (née Sweeny; born 1937) is the widow of Charles Manners, 10th Duke of Rutland and a British peeress. Since 1999, she has been known as The Dowager Duchess of Rutland.

Early life

Frances Helen Sweeny was born in 1937 in Marylebone Lane, London to American amateur golfer Charles Sweeny and his wife, debutante Margaret Whigham. She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church on 21 July 1937 at the Brompton Oratory.

In 1947, her parents divorced. Her mother subsequently married Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll.

Marriage and family

On 15 May 1958, Sweeny married Charles Manners, 10th Duke of Rutland at Caxton Hall. They had four children:

• David Charles Robert Manners, 11th Duke of Rutland (b. 8 May 1959), married Emma Watkins, and has issue
• Lord Robert George Manners (18 June 1961–28 February 1964)
• Lady Helen Theresa Margaret Manners (b. 11 November 1962), married Dr. John Chipman, and had issue
• Lord Edward John Francis Manners (b. 29 May 1965), married Gabrielle Ross, and had issue

The Duchess was widowed in 1999.

Titles and styles

• 1937 – 15 May 1958: Miss Frances Helen Sweeny
• 15 May 1958 – 4 January 1999: Her Grace The Duchess of Rutland
• 4 January 1999 – present: Her Grace The Dowager Duchess of Rutland