Margaret Elisabeth Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe (McConnel; 23 December 1918 – 2 June 1983), later Hambro, was a Scottish activist and noblewoman.

Early life and background

She was born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Ireland, the daughter of Frederick Bradshaw McConnel, Captain in the Gordon Highlanders, and Frances Elizabeth Pringle. The family later moved to Roxburghshire. William McConnel was her great-grandfather.

Marriages and issue

Sometime before 1953, Margaret married Lt.-Col. James Church; the couple were divorced in December 1953. On 5 January 1954 at Caxton Hall, Margaret married George Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe. Together, they had: Lord Roxburghe died in 1974, and their elder son, Guy, succeeded him to the dukedom. In 1976, Margaret married Jocelyn Hambro, who survived her.

Work and legacy

Margaret served as chairman of the National Society for Cancer Relief from 1964 until her death. She was credited with furthering the level of care in the United Kingdom for people with cancer through her activities and fundraising, including the construction of twelve continuing care homes, and introducing home care nursing services to allow people to receive treatment at home. After her death in 1983, The Times wrote that her contributions were "even more remarkable when viewed in the light of her continuing struggle against cancer over the past five years."