Diplomacy, Controversy, and Legacy of Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston

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Early Life and Background

Born in Úžice, Bohemia, on November 21, 1889, Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston followed European aristocratic roots. His mother was Austrian nobility and his father British and Austrian.

Birth Date Birthplace Parents Ancestry
November 21, 1889 Úžice, Bohemia Victor John George Ruston and Anna Juliana Franziska Karolina Wels British and Austrian

Career and Political Involvement

Ruston became Honorary British Consul in Semarang, Dutch East Indies, after a diplomatic career. His British Union of Fascist membership led to his wartime incarceration and dubious career.

Initial Career Consul Role Company Political Affiliation
British diplomatic service Semarang, Dutch East Indies Maclaine, Watson & Co. British Union of Fascists

Family Life and Relationships

Joseph Ruston married three times, including Audrey Hepburn’s mother Ella van Heemstra and Cornelia Bisschop. His relationship with Audrey was rocky at first but restored subsequently.

First Wife Second Wife Third Wife Child
Cornelia Bisschop Ella van Heemstra Fidelma Walshe Audrey Hepburn

Death and Legacy

Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston died in Dublin on October 16, 1980, and was buried at Mount Jerome Cemetery. His daughter Audrey Hepburn’s global significance overshadows his contentious past.

Death Date Death Place Burial Site Legacy
October 16, 1980 Dublin, Ireland Mount Jerome Cemetery Audrey Hepburn’s father

Notable Family Members

His ties to Audrey Hepburn and her descendants define Joseph’s legacy. Estrangement and reconciliation in European history are highlighted by these relationships.

Notable Descendant Relation Remark
Audrey Hepburn Daughter Renowned actress and humanitarian
Luca Dotti Grandson Son from Audrey’s second marriage
Sean Hepburn Ferrer Grandson Son from Audrey’s first marriage
Emma Kathleen Ferrer Great-granddaughter Model and actress

FAQ

What was Joseph Ruston’s early career?

Joseph began his diplomatic career as Honorary British Consul in Semarang, Dutch East Indies.

How did Joseph’s politics influence him?

His British Union of Fascist membership got him arrested and interned during WWII.

Who were Joseph Ruston’s spouses?

Over his lifespan, Joseph married Cornelia Bisschop, Ella van Heemstra, and Fidelma Walshe.

Joseph and Audrey Hepburn’s relationship: how did it change?

Joseph and Audrey reconnected in the 1960s and she financially supported him afterward.

Where is Joseph Ruston buried?

His grave is at Mount Jerome Cemetery in Harold’s Cross, Dublin.

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