About Sir Henry Abel Smith
Lived 1900 – 1993 (aged 92). Sir Henry Abel Smith was a British politician and military personnel.
Arms of Smith: Or, a chevron cotised sable between three demi-griffins couped of the last the two in chief respecting each other. These are the arms of Smith/Carington, Baron Carrington and of Smith, Baron Bicester, both descendants of the banker Abel Smith II (1717–1788)
Colonel Sir Henry Abel Smith, (8 March 1900 – 24 January 1993) was a British Army officer who served as Governor of Queensland, Australia. He married Lady May Cambridge, a niece of Queen Mary, consort of King George V.
Early life and family Abel Smith was born in London on 8 March 1900, the eldest son of Lieutenant Colonel Francis Abel Smith (1861–1908) of Wilford House, Nottinghamshire, and of Coleorton Hall, Leicestershire,
Career Abel Smith attended Eton College Promoted on 17 December 1921 to lieutenant, between 1928 and 1930 In 1944 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and in 1946 colonel. The wedding was attended by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent and Princess Sybilla of Sweden and Princess Margaretha. Peter Wise was the son of Captain Anthony Forster Wise by his wife Eva Elizabeth Glentworth Baillie (1904–1976), daughter of Ronald Hugh Baillie, D.L., O.B.E., of the Royal Horse Guards (son of Lt.-Gen. Duncan Baillie). Peter Wise's sister Elizabeth Ursula Forster Wise (1924–1993) married Michael Baillie, 3rd Baron Burton. Peter Wise's grandfather was Bernhard Ringrose Wise (1858–1916), an Australian politician and Attorney General of New South Wales. They divorced in 1975 having had one daughter Emma Charlotte Abel Wise (1 Sept 1973 - 9 June 1974) who died in infancy.
Death and burial Abel Smith died at home at Barton Lodge, Winkfield, Berkshire, on 24 January 1993 aged 92, just weeks away from his 93rd birthday. His funeral service took place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. His cremated remains were buried at the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore. His wife survived him by sixteen months.
Honours 1961: Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) 1958: Knight of Justice of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (KStJ) 1953: Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1950: Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) 1945: Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) 1937: Recipient of the King George VI Coronation Medal
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Sir Henry Abel Smith?
British Army officer (1900-1993)
When was Sir Henry Abel Smith born?
Sir Henry Abel Smith was born on 8 March 1900 in London.
When did Sir Henry Abel Smith die?
Sir Henry Abel Smith died on 24 January 1993 in Winkfield.
What was Sir Henry Abel Smith's occupation?
Sir Henry Abel Smith was a politician and military personnel.
What nationality was Sir Henry Abel Smith?
Sir Henry Abel Smith was British.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Sir Henry Abel Smith
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Sir Henry Abel Smith. https://biography.guide/sir-henry-abel-smith/
MLA: "Sir Henry Abel Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/sir-henry-abel-smith/.
Chicago: "Sir Henry Abel Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/sir-henry-abel-smith/.
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