_Groom of the Stole_ (Vol. v., p. 347.).--Your correspondent J. R.
(Cork) is in error when he asserts that the above-named office does not
belong to female majesty.
Among the collection of pictures at Montreal, in Kent, is a portrait
which was purchased at the sale at Strawberry Hill, in 1842, on the back
of which is the following inscription in the handwriting of Horace
Walpole:
"Lady Elizabeth Percy, only daughter and heiress of Josceline,
last Earl of Northumberland. She was first married to Henry Holles
Cavendish, Lord Ogle, only son of Henry, Duke of Newcastle. 2ndly,
To Thomas Thynne, Esquire, who was murdered by Count Konismark.
And, lastly, to Charles Seymour Duke of Somerset. To Queen Anne
she was groom of the stole, and had great influence."
Vide Swift's _Journal_.
By Beatson's _Political Index_ it appears that her predecessor in this
office was Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough.