Jane Percy, 67, the Duchess of Northumberland, recently sat down with The Telegraph to discuss her books, her role in the family estate, and her approach to public life.
Speaking under her pen name, Jane Northumberland, she emphasized that her work stands on its own, without leaning on her title.
“Unlike other duchesses who plaster their names everywhere, I prefer not to use my title,” she explained.
“I’d say it could even be a hindrance—some of the others haven’t exactly helped the cause lately.”
Her comments seemed to hint at high-profile figures like Meghan Markle and Sarah Ferguson, who have made headlines for stepping back from traditional royal roles or giving up titles.
Jane stressed that her accomplishments are the result of hard work rather than privilege, underlining that nothing worthwhile ever comes easily.
Royal Connections and Family Insights
The Duchess has maintained ties with the royal family over the years.
She has hosted King Charles at Alnwick Castle and knows both Prince William and Prince Harry.
Her daughter, Melissa, even counts Harry’s ex, Chelsy Davy, among her friends.
Reflecting on the princes’ well-documented fallout, Jane told the Mail in 2023: “To have two boys who aren’t communicating, one on the other side of the world, is the saddest thing.
Hopefully they are communicating. There’s so much we don’t know about.”
A Life Built Around Alnwick Castle
Jane moved into Alnwick Castle in 1995 after marrying Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke, and has since taken charge of one of the country’s most famous estates.
Together, they have four children—Katie, George, Melissa, and Max—and seven grandchildren.
Passionate about gardening, Jane has transformed the grounds into a major attraction.
Alnwick Garden now features the world’s largest treehouse and a whimsical fairy realm called Lilidorei, opened in 2023 for children.
She even wrote a book to accompany the magical space.
The estate welcomed more than 380,000 visitors last year, and the Duchess’s work continues to expand its appeal.
From Ice Skater to Estate Manager
Before her ducal duties, Jane was a professional figure skater in Edinburgh, training five hours a day at Murrayfield Ice Rink.
She met Ralph Percy as a teenager, and they married when she was just 21.
“We became best friends and now we’ve been married 44 years,” she reflected.
“Marrying young has its benefits—you still have time to do things with your life after the kids leave home.”
Ralph, worth £517 million, oversees 100,000 acres across Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
The estate became theirs unexpectedly in 1995, after the death of Ralph’s elder brother, Harry Percy, the 11th Duke.
Suddenly, Jane found herself managing a 700-year-old family estate, a responsibility she approached head-on.
Literary Pursuits and a Pen Name
Under the pseudonym Jane Northumberland, the Duchess published her first novel, Amanita, and plans are underway for a follow-up as well as a coloring book.
Writing under a pen name, she continues to maintain a sense of personal achievement independent of her title.
“It’s all been down to hard work,” she said, adding that she prefers her contributions to speak for themselves rather than rely on royal prestige.
Humble Moments Amid Grand Estates
Despite her status, Jane has remained grounded.
She shared a charming anecdote about visiting a centenarian: “I brought cake and had a chat, and she said, ‘It’s been very nice talking to you, but I was expecting the Duchess of Northumberland.’
Maybe I should have dressed more grandly.”
Her approach shows a mix of dedication and humility that has defined her decades-long stewardship of Alnwick Castle.
Protecting Heritage and Nature
The family’s Rothbury Estate, though separate from the main Ducal holdings, has been put on the market for £35 million.
National treasures, from Sir Brian May to Sir David Attenborough, have shown interest, highlighting its ecological significance.
A group of wildlife trusts is currently attempting to raise the full purchase price to secure the land’s future.
This ongoing story reflects not just a family legacy but a commitment to environmental stewardship—values the Duchess has promoted throughout her time at Alnwick.
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