Michael Hicks Beach, 2nd Earl St Aldwyn

Michael John Hicks Beach, 2nd Earl St Aldwyn (9 October 191229 January 1992) was a British Conservative politician. He achieved the distinction of serving in the governments of five different prime ministers.

Background and education St Aldwyn was born at Sudeley Castle in 1912, the only son of Michael Hicks Beach, Viscount Quenington, and the grandson of Michael Hicks Beach, 1st Earl St Aldwyn. His mother was Marjorie Brocklehurst, the daughter of Henry Dent Brocklehurst. Across March and April 1916, both his parents and his grandfather died in rapid succession: his mother died on 4 March, his father was killed in action on 23 April, and his grandfather died on 30 April. 40px 11 January 1966: Knight (KStJ) of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. 40px 1 January 1952: Officer (OStJ) of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. 50px 31 December 1979: Knight Grand Cross (GBE) of the Order of the British Empire. 40px 1 December 1964: Knight Commander (KBE) of the Order of the British Empire.

Marriage and children Lord St Aldwyn married Diana Mary Christian Mills, daughter of Henry Christian George Mills, on 26 June 1948. They had three sons:

Michael Henry Hicks-Beach, 3rd Earl St Aldwyn (born 7 February 1950). Hon Peter Hugh Hicks-Beach (born 31 May 1952). Hon David Seymour Hicks-Beach (born 25 May 1955).

On 29 January 1992, Lord St Aldwyn died at his home in Coln St. Aldwyns from heart disease and colorectal cancer. He was succeeded by his eldest son Michael.