Was Alfred de Rothschild Almina's Father?
There are those who contend that it was the “ petit maite” Alfred, who was Lady Almina’s real father. A physical resemblance between Alfred and Almina is suggested. The latest biography of her, entitled “ Lady Almina…..” is particularly lame in only saying to back up its bold assertions “ the question of Almina’s paternity can’t be conclusively determined with any certainty….”
Indeed! Over several paragraphs of “ The Life and Secrets of Almina Carnarvon” I present the detailed outcome of my researches into the question of who is her father? There is no other analysis of this question in any other book, with the possible exception of Derek Wilson landmark study of the Rothschilds “ Rothschild: A Study of Wealth and Power ” .
Almina was born in 1876. The name of Frederick Charles Wombwell is the one given as her father on her birth certificate, ( which was not registered UNTIL FOUR YEARS AFTER HER BIRTH ) On Frederick’s death bed in 1889 he touchingly left tokens of esteem to his darling daughter, Almina. Almost certainly Almina didn’t see Frederick’s sentimental offering or the message he imparted with it. The ambitious Marie Boyer ( who had married Frederick Wombwell in 1868 ) was too keen to climb the social ladder, through her scapegoat, the queer banker, Alfred de Rothschild.
There’s another negative element to highlight from one of the Rothschild insiders now deceased - who observed in writing that Almina did NOT look like any of the other Rothschild women. However, the same correspondent pleads some recognition be taken over Almina’s daughter Lady Evelyn Herbert ‘s “ looks”. She does portray a stronger edged look – some see Jewish- some see oriental – some see a Wombwell. To ensure that the full residue of genetic material is included - one ought also to sweep in a certain French, North African and Spanish American appearance.
Fuller details of this and other matters can be found in “ The Life and Secrets of Almina Carnarvon” : A Candid Biography of Almina, 5th Countess of Carnarvon of Tutankhamun fame. By William Cross, FSA Scot
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