Violet Attlee, Countess Attlee

Violet Helen Attlee, Countess Attlee (née Millar), was born on 20 November 1895 in Hampstead, London, and died on 7 June 1964. She was the tenth child and youngest daughter of Henry Edward Millar, a businessman known for his prosperity, and his wife. Violet had a twin sister named Olive Christine. Her early education was conducted in Hampstead, after which she attended Saint Felix School, a boarding school located in Southwold.

During the First World War, Violet Millar served as a Volunteer Aid Detachment (VAD). In the summer of 1921, she traveled to Italy with her mother; accompanying them were her brother Cedric and Clement Attlee, a former Oxford University student whom Violet had known from her social circle. Shortly after their return to England, Violet and Clement Attlee became engaged. They were married on 10 January 1922 at Christ Church in Hampstead.

Violet and Clement Attlee had four children: Lady Janet Helen (1923–2019), Lady Felicity Ann (1925–2007), Martin Richard (1927–1991), and Lady Alison Elizabeth (1930–2016). She joined the Labour Party shortly after her marriage, aligning herself with her husband's political affiliation.

Throughout her life, Violet Attlee was noted for her unassuming and supportive nature. She described herself as "not a political wife," but she was actively involved in personal and social aspects of her husband's political career. She organized annual Boxing Day parties at Chequers for the children of ministerial colleagues and accompanied Clement Attlee at various political conferences and international gatherings. She often traveled with him, including acting as his driver during postwar elections. In August 1950, she became a member of London's Civil Defence Corps. Her experience with charitable work included leading a British Red Cross Society detachment since 1915.

Violet Attlee's health was sometimes poor. On 7 June 1964, she was admitted to Amersham Hospital after experiencing a sudden illness; she died there of a cerebral haemorrhage seven hours later. Her immediate family present at her death included her husband, her son, her second daughter, and her daughter's husband. She had been married to Clement Attlee for 42 years; he outlived her by three years.

Her titles over the course of her life included Miss Violet Millar (until her marriage), Mrs. Clement Attlee (from her marriage in 1922 until 1955), and The Countess Attlee (from 16 December 1955 until her death). There are existing portraits of Violet Helen Attlee housed at the National Portrait Gallery in London.