Quick Facts
Biography
Agnes Keyser, DStJ RRC (July 1852 – 11 May 1941) was a humanitarian, courtesan and longtime mistress to Edward VII of the United Kingdom. Keyser was the wealthy daughter of a Stock Exchange member, and of all of Edward VII's mistresses, with the exception of socialite Jennie Jerome, she was the best accepted within royal circles, including by Edward VII's wife, Alexandra of Denmark. She remained with Edward VII until his death in 1910.
Keyser, as recorded by author Raymond Lamont-Brown in his book Edward VII's Last Loves: Alice Keppel and Agnes Keyser, held an emotional bond with Edward VII that others did not, due to her being unmarried herself, and preferring a more private affair to that of a public one.
Keyser was born Elizabeth Agnes Keyser in July 1852 at Great Stanmore in Middlesex, the daughter of Charles and Margaret Keyser. Her father was a partner in a stock exchange firm Ricardo and Keyser. She died at Buckland House, Farringdon, Berkshire on 11 May 1941, aged 88.
King Edward VII's Hospital for Officers
At the suggestion of the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) Agnes along with her sister Fanny used their house at 17 Grosvenor Crescent to help sick and wounded British Army officers who had returned from the Boer War. During the First World War the hospital used 9 Grosvenor Gardens to nurse British officers, including the novelist Stuart Cloete. The hospital became King Edward VII's Hospital for Officers and later King Edward VII's Hospital Sister Agnes.
Honours
On 26 February 1901, Agnes was created a Dame of Grace of the Venerable Order of St. John.
On 9 August 1901, Agnes and her sister were both awarded the RRC: Agnes for her hospital's work, and Fanny for direct nursing service in South Africa.