Later Life
Lady May did not carry out any royal duties due to being only a distant member of the royal family. She did attend some major royal events such as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. At the latter event, Lady May was credited with popularizing the counterweights at the back of women's necklaces to prevent the clasps from turning around, which she often wore herself on her usual pearl necklaces.
Between 1958 and 1966, Sir Henry Abel Smith served as the Governor of Queensland. May accompanied Henry to Brisbane, as vice-regal consort.
Lady May died one year after her husband. They are both buried at the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore, not far from Windsor Castle. Her funeral was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor on 9 June 1994. It was attended by the Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra, representing the Royal Family.
Read more about this topic: Lady May Abel Smith
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