Rosemary Pitman: Everything About Andrew Parker Bowles’ Wife

Rosemary Pitman was a British garden designer known for her love of gardening, horses, and village life. Born in Northumberland, she built a quiet life around family, nature, and work.

She became widely known as the second wife of Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, a retired British Army officer. Their marriage also connected Rosemary with a family closely linked to British royalty.

This article explores Rosemary Pitman’s early life, education, gardening career, two marriages, children, interests, illness, and death. It also looks at her relationship with Andrew Parker Bowles and family.

Quick Bio

Who Was Rosemary Pitman?

Rosemary Pitman was a British professional garden designer with a strong passion for plants and outdoor life. She was also interested in horses and enjoyed riding. Her quiet lifestyle remained important throughout her life.

She gained greater public attention through her marriage to Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles. He was previously married to Camilla Shand, who later became Queen Camilla. Rosemary became Andrew’s second wife in 1996.

Rosemary had already experienced marriage and motherhood before marrying Andrew. Her first husband was Hugh Pitman, and they had three sons together. She later shared many years with Andrew until her death.

Rosemary Pitman’s Early Life

Rosemary was born Rosemary Dickson on 17 June 1940 in Northumberland, United Kingdom. Her parents were Robert Dickinson and Alice Barnett. She grew up in a wealthy family and received a good education.

Her father, Robert Dickinson, had an impressive professional and sporting background. He worked as a businessman and lawyer. He also competed in the high jump at the 1924 Olympic Games.

Rosemary later spent around three decades living in the area around Malmesbury. This area became an important part of her adult life. She became closely involved with her local community.

Rosemary Pitman’s Education

Rosemary attended St Mary’s School in Ascot. Her upbringing gave her access to prestigious educational opportunities. After finishing her education, she began building her adult life.

She worked in London for some time before getting married. Her later career moved strongly toward her passion for gardens. Gardening eventually became an important professional and personal part of her life.

Rosemary Pitman’s Career as a Garden Designer

Rosemary Pitman was a qualified and professional garden designer. Her work showed her strong understanding of plants and outdoor spaces. She also received several awards for her gardening work.

Gardening was more than simply a job for Rosemary. It was one of her greatest interests throughout her life. She continued working with gardens after settling in Wiltshire with Andrew Parker Bowles.

Rosemary was also active in village life. Her gardening interests allowed her to remain connected with nature and her surroundings. Her son Henry also remembered gardening as one of her greatest passions.

Her Love for Horses and Outdoor Life

Rosemary had another major passion besides gardening. She loved horses and was a keen rider. Her interest in horses remained an important part of her lifestyle.

Her second husband also enjoyed traditional outdoor activities. Rosemary and Andrew shared interests including hunting, gardening, and polo. These shared interests became part of their married life together.

Rosemary Pitman’s First Marriage

Rosemary married for the first time in 1961 when she was 21 years old. Her first husband was Hugh Pitman. He later became a Lieutenant Colonel in the Blues and Royals.

Hugh was also a descendant of Sir Isaac Pitman. Sir Isaac Pitman is remembered as the inventor of shorthand. Rosemary therefore became connected with another notable British family through her first marriage.

Because of Hugh’s military career, the family spent time in both England and Germany. His Army responsibilities required them to move during their marriage. They eventually settled near Malmesbury during the mid-1970s.

Rosemary Pitman and Hugh Pitman’s Divorce

Rosemary and Hugh eventually ended their marriage through divorce. Their separation came sometime after they settled in Foxley near Malmesbury. The marriage had already produced three children.

Rosemary continued moving forward with her family and personal interests. Her life later brought her closer to Andrew Parker Bowles. Interestingly, Andrew had served as an officer in the same regiment as Hugh.

Marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles

Rosemary married Brigadier Andrew Henry Parker Bowles in 1996. Andrew was a retired British Army officer who had previously been married to Camilla Shand. Andrew and Camilla divorced in 1995.

Rosemary and Andrew were not strangers when their relationship developed. They had known each other for many years through their military connections. Andrew’s connection to Hugh’s regiment meant their paths had crossed before their marriage.

The couple exchanged vows in a small ceremony at the Chelsea Register Office in London. Their wedding took place shortly after both had ended their previous marriages. They later had their marriage blessed by the Catholic Church.

Rosemary and Andrew Parker Bowles’ Married Life

Rosemary and Andrew made their home in Brokenborough. Their relationship included several interests they could enjoy together. Hunting, gardening, horses, and polo were important parts of their shared lifestyle.

They also maintained relationships with members of their extended families. Rosemary and Andrew attended the 2005 wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla. They also joined Charles and Camilla at Sandringham on several occasions.

Their wider family relationships remained notable throughout their marriage. Princess Anne, who had previously dated Andrew during the 1970s, later attended Rosemary’s funeral. Rosemary remained surrounded by a large family and social circle.

Rosemary Pitman’s Children

Rosemary Pitman was the mother of three sons from her first marriage. Their names are William Pitman, Henry Pitman, and Thomas Pitman. Motherhood remained an important part of Rosemary’s personal life.

Andrew Parker Bowles also had two children from his first marriage to Camilla. They are Tom Parker Bowles and Laura. Rosemary therefore became part of a larger blended family after marrying Andrew.

Rosemary and Andrew did not have children together. Instead, they shared their lives with children from their previous marriages. Rosemary also enjoyed becoming a grandmother during the later years of her life.

Rosemary Pitman’s Relationship With Her Family

Family became especially important to Rosemary during her later years. She continued spending time with loved ones even while dealing with serious illness. The arrival of grandchildren also brought happiness into her life.

Among the grandchildren mentioned around this period were Gus and Louis, Laura’s twins. They were born shortly before Rosemary died. Their arrival provided another joyful family moment during a difficult period.

Rosemary Pitman’s Cancer Diagnosis

Rosemary Pitman was diagnosed with cancer during the early 2000s. She underwent different forms of medical treatment as doctors tried to manage her illness. Her treatments included chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Her cancer eventually proved incurable despite these treatments. Rosemary continued enjoying the activities and people that mattered to her. Gardening, family, and her other interests remained important during her illness.

She continued approaching life with optimism while undergoing treatment. She spent valuable time surrounded by members of her family. Her final years remained closely connected to the people and activities she loved.

What Type of Cancer Did Rosemary Pitman Have?

Rosemary Pitman had breast cancer. She received medical treatment as she fought the disease for several years. Her treatment included both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Despite treatment, the disease eventually became incurable. Rosemary continued living an active life for as long as possible. She remained connected with her family and personal interests throughout this period.

Rosemary Pitman’s Death

Rosemary Pitman died on 10 January 2010. She was 69 years old when she passed away. Her death occurred at her home in Wiltshire, United Kingdom.

Her loved ones were with her during her final moments. She had lived with cancer for several years before her death. Her long illness ended after different treatments were unable to cure the disease.

Rosemary’s body was cremated during a private ceremony. Her ashes were later scattered in her garden. This location reflected the deep connection she had maintained with gardening throughout her life.

Rosemary Pitman’s Funeral and Memorial

A funeral service for Rosemary was held on 19 January 2010. The service took place at St Aldhelm’s Catholic Church in Malmesbury. Family members, friends, and other people close to her attended.

Princess Anne was among the mourners at Rosemary’s funeral. Her attendance reflected the connections Rosemary and Andrew maintained within their wider social circle. Rosemary’s Catholic faith was also represented through the funeral service.

Another service was held several months later. In March 2010, family members and friends gathered for a Thanksgiving service in London. It provided another opportunity to remember and celebrate Rosemary’s life.

Rosemary Pitman’s Legacy

Rosemary Pitman is often remembered because of her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles. However, she also had her own professional career and personal passions. Gardening remained one of the strongest themes throughout her life.

She was a professional garden designer who received recognition for her work. She was also a keen horse rider and an active member of village life. These interests created an identity beyond her famous family connections.

Her life included two marriages, three sons, professional achievements, and a long battle with cancer. She remained close to family during her final years. Her garden became particularly meaningful when her ashes were scattered there after her death.

Final Thoughts

Rosemary Pitman lived a life strongly connected with family, gardening, horses, and the countryside. She developed professional skills as a garden designer and received awards for her work. She also enjoyed an active village life.

Her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles brought greater public attention to her story. However, Rosemary already had her own career, children, and interests. The couple remained together from their 1996 marriage until her death.

Rosemary died from cancer on 10 January 2010 at the age of 69. Her family and loved ones surrounded her during her final days. Her story remains closely associated with family, nature, resilience, and gardening.

(FAQs)

Who was Rosemary Pitman?

Rosemary Pitman was a British professional garden designer and keen horse rider. She was also the second wife of retired British Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles. She was born in Northumberland in 1940.

Who was Rosemary Pitman’s first husband?

Rosemary’s first husband was Hugh Pitman, a British Army officer who became a Lieutenant Colonel. They married in 1961 and had three sons together. Their marriage later ended in divorce.

When did Rosemary Pitman marry Andrew Parker Bowles?

Rosemary Pitman married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1996 at the Chelsea Register Office. They later received a Catholic Church blessing for their marriage. They remained married until Rosemary’s death in 2010.

How many children did Rosemary Pitman have?

Rosemary Pitman had three children from her marriage to Hugh Pitman. Her sons were William Pitman, Henry Pitman, and Thomas Pitman. She and Andrew Parker Bowles did not have children together.

What was Rosemary Pitman’s cause of death?

Rosemary Pitman died after battling breast cancer for several years. She underwent treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She passed away at her Wiltshire home on 10 January 2010, aged 69.

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