Few can claim a birth as unique as Lady Pamela Carmen Louise Hicks’s, who entered the world on April 19, 1929, in a luxury suite of the former Ritz hotel in Barcelona. Her mother, the affluent heiress Edwina Ashley, unexpectedly went into labor while vacationing in Spain. Her father, Louis Mountbatten, connected to almost every European royal family, telephoned the Royal Palace in Madrid. The call was answered by King Alfonso XIII, known for his womanizing ways, who misunderstood Mountbatten’s announcement of impending fatherhood, offering to keep the secret rather than celebrate the news. The misunderstanding was quickly clarified, and soon, medical staff and royal guards were rushing to assist at the Ritz.

This unconventional birth was only a prelude to a life steeped in historical significance. Lady Pamela traveled with her parents to India, where they were appointed as viceroys, immersing herself in the transformative political landscape of the time by meeting figures like Gandhi and Nehru. Her life’s journey later took her to the court of England, where she served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, and eventually to her marriage to David Hicks, a celebrated designer of the Swinging London era. Her daughter, India Hicks, has chronicled these extraordinary experiences in her book, "Lady Pamela: The Extraordinary Years of My Mother." Despite her storied past, Lady Pamela remains relatively unknown outside royal circles.

India Hicks captures her mother's rich, varied life in the book, emphasizing Lady Pamela's choice to remain in the shadows of her illustrious family and associates. “I have lived in the shadows by choice,” Lady Pamela asserts, a sentiment she shares in a rare interview, prompted by the release of her daughter’s book. Even at 96, Lady Pamela retains a sharp mind and a treasure trove of anecdotes, such as her baptism by King Alfonso XIII and his subsequent exile in England.

Lady Pamela’s childhood was marked by tales of intrigue and education among the elite. In 1940, during World War II, she was sent to the United States, avoiding the London Blitz and experiencing the last vestiges of the Gilded Age at the Vanderbilt mansion in New York. Here, she encountered the quirks of high society, including impromptu lessons on table settings for dignitaries like Lord Halifax.

Her father, Lord Mountbatten, played a pivotal role during the war, planning the Normandy invasion and commanding Allied forces in Southeast Asia. His appointment as the last Viceroy of India marked a significant period for Lady Pamela, who, at 17, was meditating with Gandhi. Her parents’ open marriage also reflected the complexities of their era, with her mother’s platonic bond with Nehru highlighting the depth of their relationships.

Intimately acquainted with royal affairs, Lady Pamela was among the first to know of the budding romance between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Her close relationship with the Queen led to her role as a lady-in-waiting during significant royal events, including the Commonwealth tour abruptly ended by King George VI’s death.

Throughout her life, Lady Pamela has exemplified resilience, a trait her daughter India deeply admires. Despite her privileged background, she faced personal tragedies, including her father’s assassination by the IRA in 1979, which she forgave, showcasing her enduring strength.

Lady Pamela’s marriage to David Hicks in 1960 added another dimension to her life, with her husband’s design legacy visible in their home’s regal gardens. As someone who has witnessed monumental changes over nearly a century, she remains unfazed by Europe’s future, choosing instead to focus on the present and her books. Her humility, as noted by her daughter, is evident in her dismissal of the notion of being a legend, emphasizing the importance of normalcy over notoriety.

Approaching 97, Lady Pamela stands as a remarkable witness to history, having lived through and interacted with many of the 20th century’s pivotal figures. While she might deny being the last of her kind, her daughter India believes otherwise, recognizing her mother’s unique place in history.