Helen Azalea "Poppy"Baring (8 November 1901 – 15 October 1979) was one of theBright Young Things of the 1920s.[1] She had been the prospective bride of two princes, both times judged not suitable to the match.
In 1921Albert, Duke of York (the future kingGeorge VI), fell in love with Baring, but she had the reputation of being "fast" and fun-loving. He proposed marriage, she accepted, butQueen Mary made it clear that the match was impossible.[5] Six years later, Baring had an affair withPrince George, Duke of Kent, but this time it was the King, George V, who objected to their romance because Poppy was not "suitable".[6][7][8] Nevertheless, Poppy Baring was Prince George's mistress for many years.[2]
In 1927 Baring established adress shop named "Poppy's" in Down Street where she sold the latest fashions.[11][12]
On 17 December 1928 she married William Piers "Peter" Thursby, an Eton cricketer,[13] son of Reverend Harvey William Gustavus Thursby and Margaret Emily Mount.[3][4][14]
Raymund de Trafford was also a close friend of Baring, and went to stay with her soon after his release from prison in 1942.[2]
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