A Life of Resilience and Joy
Pandora Cooper-Key, a ceramicist and former accessories designer for Vivienne Westwood, passed away in July 2024 after a long battle with cancer. Her death marked the end of a life filled with creativity, resilience, and an infectious sense of humor that left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Cressida Bonas, Pandora’s sister, has shared memories of her late sibling, highlighting how her unique personality inspired those around her. Cressida, who was once engaged to Prince Harry, described Pandora as someone who found joy in the smallest things and always approached life with optimism.
“Despite being unwell for years, she found joy in the smallest things and was always grateful,” Cressida said. “Pandora believed in going after what you want rather than waiting for it to fall into your lap. She used to say, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ Her sense of humour was infectious, and she could talk to anyone.”
A Lasting Legacy
Pandora’s legacy continues to live on through her family and friends. Cressida, who married property investor Harry Wentworth-Stanley in 2020, has two children: son Wilbur, three, and daughter Delphina, 11 months. When her daughter was born in June last year, Cressida chose to honor her sister by giving her the middle name “Pandora.”
At Pandora’s memorial service in 2024, Cressida expressed her deep connection to her sister. “My heart is forever tied to yours,” she declared. The service, held at St Luke’s church in Chelsea, west London, was attended by several of Pandora’s close friends, including Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, and her nephew Sir Ben Elliot.
Cressida also read a heartfelt letter to Pandora, which she composed after her death. The women’s mother, Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon, paid tribute to her daughter, saying, “Nobody on earth who ever met Pandora could help falling in love with her.”
A Family Affair
Pandora’s father, Esmond Cooper-Key, passed away in 1985 when he was just 42. Despite this loss, the family remained strong, and Pandora’s influence continued to shape their lives.
One of Pandora’s friends, Serena Cook, shared amusing stories from their travels through Latin America during the memorial service. “We stole watermelons from a field in Nicaragua, scrambling up a tree in absolute hysterics. We got chased by a furious farmer,” she recalled.
Cressida’s Journey as a Mother
In recent conversations, Cressida has opened up about her experience as a mother. She described the challenges of raising children, especially after struggling with fertility issues. “Being a mother is unpredictable and frightening,” she admitted. “It is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done.”
Cressida and her husband, Harry Wentworth-Stanley, had difficulty conceiving their first child, Wilbur, who was born through IVF. Fortunately, they were able to use another stored embryo to conceive their second child, Delphina.
“I am now well into my second pregnancy,” Cressida wrote in The Spectator magazine. “Having conceived through IVF the first time, we were fortunate to have another embryo stored away in a freezer.”
Despite the challenges, Cressida remains grateful for her children. “Even though I remind myself how fortunate we are to have been able to have children, being a mum is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done,” she said.
