Emma, Duchess of Rutland

Emma, Duchess of Rutland

Born Emma Watkins, The Duchess of Rutland is the daughter of a farmer from Knighton in the Welsh Marches. She worked as an estate agent in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and later as an interior designer. She married David Manners, who became the 11th Duke of Rutland, in 1992 and the pair have five children. Today, the Duchess runs the commercial activities of Belvoir Castle, including shooting parties, weddings and a range of furniture. She has presented on various television programmes, including ITV’s Castles, Keeps and Country Homes, appeared on an episode of Titchmarsh on Capability Brown and has produced three books about Belvoir. In 2021, the Duchess created a podcast titled Duchess, where she interviews chatelaines of castles and stately homes throughout the United Kingdom. The Duchess’ memoir ,The Accidental Duchess, is out now. Duchess is the podcast where the Duchess of Rutland explores the historic homes of Great Britain, and meets the inspiring women who lead them today.