Princess Diana’s Close Pal Dead at 91

The London social scene just lost one of its brightest lights. Lady Annabel Goldsmith — the glamorous socialite who inspired the legendary Mayfair nightclub Annabel’s and counted Princess Diana among her closest friends — has died peacefully in her sleep at 91.

Her six children — including filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith and Conservative politician Zac Goldsmith — confirmed the news in a heartbreaking statement. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Lady Annabel Goldsmith, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning at the age of 91,” the family said.

Annabel, born into British aristocracy as the daughter of the eighth Marquess of Londonderry, was pure high society — but with warmth and wit that made her a favorite in royal and celebrity circles alike.

From Socialite to London Legend

Annabel’s first husband, hospitality magnate Mark Birley, opened Annabel’s in 1963 — naming it after her. The ultra-exclusive private club became the place to be, attracting royals, rock stars, and politicians. Princess Diana, Mick Jagger, and even Margaret Thatcher were known to mingle there.

Even after her divorce from Birley — reportedly sparked by his numerous affairs — the pair stayed close until his death in 2007. Annabel later married financier Sir James Goldsmith, with whom she had three more children.

A Family’s Heartfelt Goodbye

Her youngest son, Ben Goldsmith, shared an emotional tribute with the BBC. “We are bereft, not for her – because her life has been extraordinary and complete – but for us, because of the immense hole in our lives she leaves behind,” he said. “I spoke to her every day for 45 years; she truly had my back and we loved each other very much. I will miss her terribly.”

Annabel was a devoted mother and grandmother, once telling The Times, “I’m not judgmental about women who work, but I was so besotted with my children I never wanted them out of my sight.”

Love, Loss, and Legacy

Her life was filled with both dazzling parties and deep heartbreak. She lost her mother to cancer as a teen — and decades later, her firstborn son, Rupert, who vanished while sailing off the coast of West Africa in 1986. She called it “the worst thing that has happened to me.”

Still, she remained a pillar of grace, publishing her memoir Annabel: An Unconventional Life and even writing a whimsical book about her beloved dog, Copper.

Nearly 30 years after the tragic death of her dear friend Princess Diana, Lady Annabel Goldsmith’s own passing marks the end of an era — a glamorous, golden chapter in London’s high-society history that will never be forgotten.