Rosie Van Cutsem and Lucia Ruck Keene epitomize the charm of English country living. Raised in a Regency manor deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, the sisters now reside on historic estates of their own — Rosie at Hilborough House in Norfolk and Lucia at the magnificent 18th-century Delbury Hall in Shropshire.
Their upbringing, surroundings, and royal connections — Rosie’s husband, William, is godfather to Prince George and a close friend of the Prince of Wales — could hardly be more quintessentially British.
But their influence extends beyond their social circles. As they welcome HELLO! into Delbury Hall’s blossoming gardens for an exclusive photoshoot, the sisters reveal how their bond and upbringing have shaped their fashion label, Troy London — a brand much loved by the Princess of Wales.
“I try not to be, but I probably am the bossy older sister,” admits Rosie, 41, with a laugh. Lucia, 39, takes it in stride, describing Rosie as “incredibly kind and generous,” while Rosie praises Lucia’s “magnetic personality, creativity, loyalty, and sense of fun.”
The name Troy pays tribute to their idyllic childhood home, a Grade II-listed house nestled in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside. It was here that Rosie, encouraged by their mother Tania, developed a love for equestrian life and the Bicester Hunt. Lucia, by contrast, was more hesitant. “Rosie was the tomboy, the sporty one. I was a little less keen on getting muddy,” she recalls.
Rosie interjects with a smile, “Poor Lucia. I was determined she’d enjoy riding, so I put her on a pony and said, ‘Off you go — you’ll have fun!’ But I forgot to fasten the girth properly, and before long she was on the ground, convinced riding wasn’t for her. She’s a brilliant rider now, though — despite my early sabotage.”
That spirited dynamic continues to define their relationship today. As they pose for the camera, it’s clear their connection is more than familial — it’s a deep partnership built on trust, admiration, and laughter.
“We were always encouraged to speak our minds, to debate, and be independent thinkers,” says Rosie. “Our poor father had to deal with three strong personalities,” she adds with a grin, referencing their elder sister, Kate, as part of the trio.
That sisterly bond only grew stronger during the pandemic, when Lucia left her London flat in Ladbroke Grove to spend both lockdowns at Rosie’s Norfolk home. There, she joined Rosie, William, and their three sons — Maxi (7), Hugo (6), and Orlando (3) — for months of family time in the countryside.
Rooted in heritage and driven by ambition, Rosie and Lucia have channeled their upbringing, creativity, and connection into Troy London — a brand that blends timeless British style with practical elegance. And with the Princess of Wales among their loyal admirers, it’s clear the sisters’ vision is resonating far beyond the country lanes of their youth.
