She Wouldn’t Tolerate Etiquette Breach

Georgiana, the most famous Duchess of Devonshire, as portrayed by Kiera Knightly in the period drama, “The Duchess.” – Georgiana was known as “The Electioneering Duchess” due to her insistance on being publicly vocal about her political beliefs. A little more than a hundred years after Georgiana’s death in 1806, the early 20th century Duchess of Devonshire may have been in support of women’s votes, but was clearly in support of good manners in her home.

Women Guests Cry, “Votes!” 

and are Banished 

Duchess of Devonshire Won’t Tolerate Breach of Etiquette

LONDON, June 17.– There was a meeting at Devonshire House today of the Colonial Nursing Association. Princess Henry of Battenberg was present. While Lewis Harcourt, a member of the Cabinet, was speaking, two suffragettes interrupted him with their cry of, “Votes for Women.”

The Duchess of Devonshire reminded the women they were guests in the house and in the circumstance she had no alternative but to request that they withdraw. The women were led from the room.– Chico Record, 1912

🗳Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia