Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough John chose Sarah over Catherine Sedley, but both John's and Sarah's families disapproved of the match, therefore they married secretly in the winter of 1677–78. John and Sarah were both Protestants in a predominantly Catholic court, a circumstance that would influence their political allegiances. Although no date was recorded, the marriage was announced only to the Duchess of York, and a small circle of friends, so that Sarah could keep her court position as Maid of Honour. When Sarah became pregnant, her marriage was announced publicly (on 1 October 1678), and she retired from the court to give birth to
Catherine Graham, Duchess of Montrose married the duke, then Marquess of Graham, on 31 January 1970.. She immediately became Marchioness of Graham, and in 1992, when her husband inherited his father's title, she became Duchess of Montrose. They have three children: Following their marriage, Lady Montrose and her husband moved permanently to Scotland, where they lived at Auchmar House near Loch Lomond. After the establishment of the Preshal Trust, a charity based in Govan, the duchess became one of its leading supporters. The duchess died, aged 79, at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, Scotland. Catherine Graham, Duchess of Montrose Catherine Graham, Duchess of Montrose