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Emerald Cunard

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Socialite

The Resume

    (August 3, 1872-July 10, 1948)
    Born in San Francisco, California
    Birth name was Maud Alice Burke
    Married shipping heir Sir Bache Cunard
    Established herself as a society hostess in London

Why she might be annoying:

    She had a long-term affair with conductor Thomas Beecham.
    She neglected her daughter.
    David Lloyd George called her 'a most dangerous woman' for her ability to beguile leading politicians into making indiscreet remarks during her dinners.
    She encouraged the affair between Wallis Simpson and Edward, Prince of Wales, hoping to receive a court appointment when Edward took the throne.
    When Edward abdicated, she complained, 'How could he do this to me?'

Why she might not be annoying:

    She was originally going to marry Prince Andre Poniatowski, grandson of the last king of Poland, but he jilted her.
    Her parties were described as featuring 'the cleverest men together with the most beautiful women.'
    She was a tireless fundraiser for the arts.
    At one of the first major society balls after WWII, a guest gestured at the assembled revelers and said, 'This is what we fought the war for.' She replied, 'Oh, do you mean they are all Poles?'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 5 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 22 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 15 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 21 Votes: 71.43% Annoying