Shewas the daughterof Edward JohnSpencer, Viscount Althorp, andFrancesRuthBurkeRoche, Viscountess Althorp (later known as the HonorableFrances ShandKydd).
Patrick Roche, the lawyer representing her father John, argued that the case should be heard in front of a jury because of the high levels of chloral hydrate prescribed after her release by her doctor.