PLUNKET, SIR WILLIAM LEE PLUNKET, (1864-1920), 5th Baron, was the son of the 4th baron, who was Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, his mother being Annie Lee, daughter of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness and sister of Lord Ardilaun and Lord Iveagh. Educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Dublin (where he graduated B.A. and was captain of the rowing club), he joined the diplomatic service in 1889 as honorary attaché to the embassy in Rome. In 1892 he was transferred to Constantinople. Retiring in 1894, he became private secretary to Lord Cadogan, Lord-lieutenant of Ireland, and was decorated with the C.V.O. for his services in arranging the details of the visit of Queen Victoria. As private secretary to Lord Dudley, he had to do the same work in connection with two visits paid by King Edward VII (who raised him to K.C.V.O.). In 1904 Lord Plunket was appointed Governor of New Zealand, a position he held with success until the end of his term (which was extended to 1910). He was a freemason in Ireland and grand master in New Zealand. He was also a knight of grace of St John of Jerusalem.

Plunket married (1894) Lady Victoria Alexandrina, daughter of the first marquis of Dufferin and Ava. He died on 24 Jan 1920.

Burke; The Times, 26 Jan 1920.

Reference: Volume 2, page 88

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