Elizabeth Curzon, Countess Howe

Elizabeth Helen Curzon, Countess Howe (née Stuart; born 12 November 1955) is a British peeress, educator and philanthropist who has served as Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire since 27 November 2020.

Early life and education Lady Howe was born Elizabeth Helen Stuart, on 12 November 1955, to Burleigh Edward St Lawrence Stuart (1920–2004) and Joan Elizabeth Platts (died 2001). She was raised in Buckinghamshire and was educated at Headington School in Oxford. She obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Cambridge.

Career After completing university, Lady Howe began teaching in Newmarket and in London at Dulwich College Preparatory School. She has worked as a governor and volunteer music teachers in schools in Buckinghamshire. She served as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire from 2010 to 2011. She was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire on 26 June 2020. She took office upon the retirement of Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, 8th Baronet, on 27 November 2020. She is the first woman to hold the position, which was established in 1535 by King Henry VIII.

Lady Howe holds a number positions in local charitable organizations. She is chairman of Heart of Bucks Community Foundation, patron of Milton Keynes Islamic Art, Heritage and Culture, and president of the Epilepsy Society.

In 2023, as lord-lieutenant, Lady Howe attended the coronation of King Charles III with her husband.

Marriage and family On 26 March 1983, Elizabeth Stuart married Frederick Curzon. The following year, Curzon succeeded his second cousin as 7th Earl Howe, thus making his wife Countess Howe.

The Earl and Countess have four children: Lady Anna Curzon (born 19 January 1987); Lady Flora Curzon (born 12 June 1989); Lady Lucinda Curzon (born 12 October 1991); and Thomas, Viscount Curzon (born 22 October 1994). The family resides at Penn House in Penn, Buckinghamshire. 15 July 1997: Officer (Sister) (OStJ) 18 April 2017: Commander (Sister) (CStJ) 21 April 2026: Dame (DStJ)