Miranda Guinness, Countess of Iveagh
Miranda Guinness | |
|---|---|
| Born | Miranda Daphne Jane Smiley 19 August 1939 |
| Died | 30 December 2010 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Noblewoman |
| Known for | Member of the Guinness family through marriage; style icon; restoration of Wilbury House |
Miranda Daphne Jane Guinness, Countess of Iveagh (born Smiley; 19 August 1939 – 30 December 2010) was a Scottish noblewoman who became part of the Guinness family through marriage.
Life
Miranda was the daughter of Major Michael Smiley from Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire. On 12 March 1963, she wed Benjamin Guinness, Viscount Elveden, who later inherited the title of 3rd Earl of Iveagh in 1967. Benjamin served as chairman of the Guinness brewing company from 1965 until 1995. In recognition of her, a Guinness beer tanker was christened "The Miranda Guinness" in 1976. Additionally, she earned acclaim as one of the world's most stylish women in 1979.
The couple had four children: Edward, who became the 4th Earl of Iveagh; Rory; Emma; and Louisa. Their marriage encountered difficulties due to Benjamin's struggle with alcoholism, resulting in their separation during the mid-1970s and eventual divorce in 1984. Nevertheless, Miranda provided care for him during his terminal illness in 1992.
Following her marriage, Miranda engaged in a six-year partnership with Tony Ryan, the founder of Ryanair, which lasted until approximately 1991. Ryan acknowledged her influence as a mentor who enhanced his appreciation for architecture, art, and fine wines, broadening his social circles beyond mere financial means. Together, they worked on refurbishing the interior of a Georgian residence located in Pelham Place, South Kensington.
Later years
Between 1998 and 2004, the Countess acquired Wilbury House, a Grade I listed Palladian mansion situated in Wiltshire, England, and undertook its restoration.
In August 2010, she celebrated her seventieth birthday with an elaborate gathering at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. The event was held since the family’s former townhouse, Iveagh House, was occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Distinguished guests included members of the Guinness family, Lord Conyngham, Gay Byrne, the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, James Mellon, former minister Desmond O'Malley, Sean Rafferty, and Lord and Lady Rosse.
Death
Lady Iveagh died at Wilbury House in late December 2010 at age seventy after a long illness. Her funeral took place at St. George's Church, Hanover Square, Mayfair, conducted by the Church of Ireland Archdeacon of Dublin. She was laid to rest beside her husband in the Guinness family vault at Elveden, Suffolk.