The title Marchioness of Bath is traditionally held by the wife of the Marquess of Bath, a noble rank in the British peerage system. As of April 2020, this distinguished title is held by Emma Clare Thynn, formerly known as Emma McQuiston. Emma Thynn has garnered attention not only for her marriage into British nobility but also for her accomplishments as a fashion model, socialite, and television personality. Notably, she made history as Britain’s first Black marchioness.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family Heritage
Emma Clare McQuiston was born on March 26, 1986, in London, England. She is the daughter of Chief Oladipo Jadesimi, a Nigerian oil magnate and executive chairman of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Company, and Suzanna McQuiston, an English socialite. Emma’s multicultural heritage combines Nigerian and British influences, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds.
Education
Raised in South Kensington, London, Emma pursued higher education at University College London, where she studied Art History. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) to study classical acting, showcasing her early interest in the arts and performance.
Marriage into the British Aristocracy
Meeting Ceawlin Thynn
Emma first met Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth and heir to the Marquess of Bath, during a family wedding when she was four years old and he was sixteen. Their paths crossed intermittently over the years at various family gatherings before they began a relationship.
Wedding and Title
On June 8, 2013, Emma married Ceawlin Thynn, becoming Viscountess Weymouth. Their union attracted media attention, particularly due to Emma’s African heritage and the historical significance of her entry into British nobility. When her husband succeeded his father as the 8th Marquess of Bath on April 4, 2020, Emma assumed the title Marchioness of Bath, making her the first Black woman to hold this title in British history.
Family Life
Children
Emma and Ceawlin Thynn have two sons:
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John Alexander Ladi Thynn, born in 2014.
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Henry Richard Isaac Thynn, born in 2016 via surrogacy. The decision for surrogacy was made after Emma experienced complications during her first pregnancy, including a brain bleed and pituitary gland disorder, leading medical professionals to advise against a second pregnancy.
Life at Longleat
As the chatelaine of Longleat House, the family estate in Wiltshire renowned for its safari park, Emma plays a pivotal role in managing the estate’s operations and public engagements. Longleat has been a significant part of the Thynn family heritage, and Emma’s involvement underscores her commitment to preserving and enhancing its legacy.
Career and Public Engagements
Fashion and Modeling
Emma Thynn has established herself in the fashion industry, modeling for prestigious brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and serving as a brand ambassador for Fiorucci. Her presence on international runways and in fashion campaigns has solidified her status as a style icon.
Media and Television
In 2019, Emma participated in the 17th series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, the British dance competition show, partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. Her involvement brought her into the mainstream spotlight, showcasing her versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges.
Culinary Ventures
Emma founded Emma’s Kitchen, a food and lifestyle brand based at Longleat House. Through this venture, she has hosted cooking demonstrations and shared recipes, emphasizing her passion for culinary arts and hospitality.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond her professional endeavors, Emma is actively involved in various charitable activities, focusing on causes such as education, women’s rights, and healthcare. Her philanthropic efforts reflect her commitment to leveraging her platform for positive societal impact.
Emma Thynn, the Marchioness of Bath, embodies a blend of tradition and modernity within the British aristocracy. Her multifaceted career, dedication to family, and philanthropic initiatives highlight her as a dynamic figure navigating the intersections of heritage and contemporary influence. As the first Black marchioness in British history, her story represents a significant moment in the evolving narrative of the British nobility.