Clara Christina Eleonora Bonde af Björnö, née Rålamb (1 July 1806 - 12 January 1899) was a Swedish courtier. She was born to the royal equerry baron

Claes Rålamb Claes Rålamb (8 May 1622 – 14 March 1698) was a Swedish statesman. In 1660 he was appointed Governor of Uppland County and in 1664 he served in the Privy Council. Between 1673 and 1678, he served as the Governor of Stockholm. Life Clae ...

and the former maid of honor Ulrika Eleonora von Düben. In 1823, she was appointed ''

hovfröken A maid of honour is a junior attendant of a queen in royal households. The position was and is junior to the lady-in-waiting. The equivalent title and office has historically been used in most European royal courts. Role Traditionally, a queen ...

'' (maid of honor) to queen Desiree, and became a member of the first court staff of the queen, who returned to Sweden after twelve years in exile that year. She is described as good humored and witty and became a leading figure in social court life. Because of her manner and good French, she was able to handle the infamous hot temperament of king Charles XIV John, and because of this, she was often given the task to present him with news, especially such news which could upset him. On 16 December 1828, she married count Gustaf Ulf Bonde af Björnö and retired from court to participate in the high society life of Stockholm for a couple of years. Hers was described as the last of the weddings celebrated in accordance with all honors formerly customarily afforded members of the court when they married. In 1836, she returned to court and was appointed '' statsfru'' ( Lady of the Bedchamber) to queen Desirée, a position she kept until the queen's death in 1861. She was a favorite of the queen who referred to her as ''Ma cherie Claire'' and trusted her advice. She was also well liked by the other members of the royal house: crown prince Oscar and crown princess Josephine referred to her as ''aunt Clara'' and ''the santa claus of the royal palace'' and regarded her a family member. The correspondence between her and the members of the royal family are preserved. After the death of her spouse in 1855, she was for a time given the responsibility for several estates until the heirs were old enough to manage them.

References

Tidningen IDUN nr 8, 28 januari 1899
('' Idun'', nr 8 January 28, 1899) {{DEFAULTSORT:Bonde, Clara 1806 births 1899 deaths Swedish ladies-in-waiting Swedish countesses