Norma Major

Norma Christina Elizabeth Major, Lady Major (née Wagstaff, formerly Johnson), was born on February 12, 1942. She is an English philanthropist and the wife of Sir John Major, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Early Life: Norma Wagstaff was born in Shropshire during World War II, the daughter of Norman Reuel Wagstaff and Edith Georgina Wagstaff (née Johnson). Her father served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery and was stationed in Shropshire at the time of her birth. Norman Wagstaff was killed in a motorcycle accident shortly after the conclusion of the war, when Norma was approximately three years old. Following her father’s death and estrangement from her in-laws, her mother reverted to her maiden surname, and Norma was known as Norma Johnson during her upbringing.

Education and Early Interests: Norma attended a boarding school in Bexhill-on-Sea, followed by Oakfield Preparatory School in Dulwich, and subsequently Peckham School for Girls, where she served as head girl. She was proficient in dressmaking and was a member of the Young Conservatives during her youth.

Marriage and Family: Norma Wagstaff met John Major at a Conservative Party meeting during the campaign for the 1970 Greater London Council elections. They married on October 3, 1970. The couple has two children: a son, James Major, and a daughter, Elizabeth Major.

Public Life and Works: During John Major’s tenure as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, Norma maintained a low profile, engaging primarily in charitable activities and authoring two books: "Joan Sutherland: The Authorised Biography" (1994) and "Chequers: The Prime Minister's Country House and its History" (1997). Her involvement in charitable work was prominent, and she was recognized with the honor of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1999 for her services to charity.

Revelations and Personal Life: The release of Edwina Currie’s diaries covering the period 1987 to 1992, in 2002, disclosed details of a workplace affair between John Major and Currie, then a junior minister in Margaret Thatcher’s government. The affair occurred while both were married, and it was later established that Norma was aware of the relationship prior to the publication of the diaries.

Charitable Work: Lady Major is a supporter of Mencap, a charity focused on supporting people with learning disabilities. She has been credited with helping to raise approximately six million pounds for the organization.

References: The information about Norma Major is sourced from biographical records, official recognitions, and public records related to her honorary titles and charitable work.