Clementine Hozier was born on April 11, 1885, in London, England. Her parents, Lady Blanche Hozier and Sir Henry Hozier, had a famously tempestuous marriage, throwing the identity of Clementine’s real father into doubt. When Clementine was six years old, her parents separated. Due to her mother’s scandalous reputation and the family’s chronic financial woes, Clementine’s childhood was often difficult.

In 1904, Clementine briefly met Winston Churchill. They met again four years later in 1908 and married in September of that year. Clementine Churchill became an active support for Churchill as he rose through the political ranks, campaigning for him in the 1922 general election. The election secured a seat for Churchill as a Member of Parliament. Churchill went on to hold various important positions in government throughout their marriage, including Lord of the Admiralty, President of the Board of Trade, Home Secretary, and two stints as Prime Minister (1940-1945; 1951-1955).

Clementine offered Churchill both emotional and practical support throughout his career. While aiding him in his political duties, she also became an active figure in her own right. She assisted both the YMCA and headed the Red Cross Aid to Russia Fund, while also accompanying Churchill on many important political trips abroad.