William Smith, 3rd Viscount Hambleden
William Henry Smith, 3rd Viscount Hambleden, was a British peer and a descendant of the founders of stationery group W H Smith, who was chairman and owner of the firm from 1928 until his death.
Early life and career
Lord Hambleden was the 2nd child and eldest son of Frederick Smith and Esther Georgiana Caroline nee Gore, a daughter of Arthur Gore, 5th Earl of Arran. He was educated at Eton College and New College, Oxford.After his father's death in 1928, the family business, W H Smith, was reconstituted as a limited company, in which Smith owned all the ordinary shares and was chairman. On his death in 1948, the death duties were so severe that a public holding company had to be formed, and the shares were sold to W H Smith staff and the public. His younger brother, David John Smith, remained chairman until 1972, but the Smith family's control slipped away, and the last family member left the board in 1996.
Marriage and family
His wife, Patricia Smith, Viscountess Hambleden was a Lady of the Bedchamber to HM Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother. Patricia, Viscountess Hambleden, was appointed Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and, years later, to Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. The couple had five children:- William Herbert Smith
- Laura Caroline Beatrice Smith. Her son, Charles Brand is a godson of Princess Margaret.
- Katharine Patricia Smith. Her son, Patrick Moffatt is also a godson of Princess Margaret.
- Richard Edward Smith
- Philip Reginald Smith
He succeeded to the title of Viscount Hambleden following his father's death in 1928. He was succeeded by his eldest son, William Herbert.