How Lady Lola Bute, 25, went sober after triad of tragedy that saw her friend overdose and her boyfriend kill himself - a year before her millionaire father's death

With her model good looks, A-list friends and flair for flirty fashion, at first glance Lady Lola Bute is your typical young aristocrat. 

Described by Tatler as one of the nation's 'ultimate it-girls' Lola, 24, who is the daughter of the late John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute and fashion designer Serena Bute, spends her summers in Ibiza, and is often snapped at celebrity parties. She recently wowed in an Alessandro Fran gown on the Vanity Fair Oscar's red carpet.

But beneath the glitz and glamour is tremendous pain. Lola, who recently celebrated her early 25th birthday in a huge bash at her family seat Mount Stuart House, is completely sober, having witnessed first hand what can happen with a life of excess.

In 2019, she lost her boyfriend Kai Schachter to suicide. Just six months later her best friend IIa Scheckter died of a suspected accidental overdose. A year later she was caught in scandal when she broken lockdown rules, and months after her father passed away from cancer.  

After her boyfriend died she sought help for 'unhealthy coping mechanisms'. From here, Lola cleaned up her act and set up an charity to help those struggling with mental health and addiction.

Described by Tatler as one of the nation's 'ultimate it-girls' Lola, 24, who is the daughter of the late John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute and fashion designer Serena Bute, spends her summers in Ibiza, and is often snapped at celebrity parties. She recently wowed in an Alessandro Fran gown on the Vanity Fair Oscar's red carpet (pictured)

Lola is pictured celebrating her one year sober anniversary in Ibiza

Lola says 'family is everything'. Pictured with her sister Jazzy De Lisser

Lola recently celebrated her 25th birthday with a raucous party

Lady Lola Bute took to Instagram to share the snaps with her new flame Dutch model Parker van Noord

'She’s very naughty, and quite a force,' her mother once said of a 19-year-old Lola.

And while at first look she may be indistinguishable from her party girl days, recently welcoming hundreds of guests - including A-listers and royalty - to her family seat for her 25th birthday party, she manages to celebrate without drink or drugs.

Discussing her sobriety after one year sober she said:  'A year ago yesterday was the day my life really started. I made a decision to change for the better and i feel so grateful and lucky to have had a second chance.'

She said said it felt like she was having a 'second birthday'. 

Lola was eight months sober when her father passed away  in March 2021.

Former racing driver John Crichton-Stuart, who also known as John Bute and Johnny Dumfries at the age of 62, from cancer , leaving behind a £125million fortune.

Lola was still grieving her boyfriend Kai when her father passed. 

Kai was an artist and grandson of wealthy New York socialite and Clinton donor Denise Rich and her late financier husband Marc.

He and his brother Adrian had been featured in the pages of Vogue Italia and various art magazines as they made their mark in the creative world. 

The talented teenager was one of four children of art dealer Kenny Schachter and artist Ilona Rich Schachter, who is the daughter of songwriter Denise and Marc - known to many as the 'King of Commodities'. 

Paying tribute to him at the time, Lola wrote: 'A life without you is a life I can't bear the thought of. I still cannot wrap my head around it,' she wrote on Instagram.

'You were the kindest person I have ever known, you had the biggest heart and the most special soul. All you ever wanted was for everyone else around you to be happy, seldom yourself. Your kindness never went unnoticed

Lola is pictured with her father in images she shared after his death from cancer

Former racing driver John Crichton-Stuart, who also known as John Bute and Johnny Dumfries at the age of 62, from cancer , leaving behind a £125million fortune. Pictured with Lola aasa child

Lola was still grieving her boyfriend Kai when her father passed. Kai was an artist and grandson of wealthy New York socialite and Clinton donor Denise Rich and her late financier husband Marc

Still reeling from the loss of her boyfriend, a six months later Lola faced heartbreak again when her friend IIa Scheckter (pictured) daughter of former F1 champion Jody Scheckter, died of a 'suspected accidental overdose

'You touched every single person you met, so deeply. I always wondered how could someone be so good? How did I get so lucky to have you and love you when I did.

'We were a team and I feel part of me has been taken. The thought you were in pain and suffering in silence breaks my heart. I wish I could have done more to save you. Nothing will ever be the same without you, there will never be anyone quite like you. You were my rockstar.'

Still reeling from the loss of her boyfriend, a six months later Lola faced heartbreak again when her friend  IIa Scheckter, daughter of former F1 champion Jody Scheckter, died of a 'suspected accidental overdose'.

Lola described her friend as a 'beautiful soul' and an 'amazing force of nature'. 

The aristocrat now spearheads Eternity, an initiative created to bring attention to suicide, addiction and mental health related issues and to break stigmas surrounding them.

But the model and socialite has also faced her fair share of controversy.

In December 2020 – at the height of the coronavirus restrictions Lola posted a video which appeared to show her heading from London to her ancestral home on the Isle of Bute in defiance of the UK-wide travel ban. 

 In an online clip captioned ‘Tier 4 journey’ – in reference to the ‘stay at home’ order imposed by the government – she was seen riding in a speedboat while giving a thumbs up. 

As a result the 24-year-old – as well as a group of her friends and family – was reported to the Scottish prosecution service and charged.

Although the intervening three years have seen a number of fines for lockdown breaches issued to public figures – including Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak – prosecutors decided not to take action against Lady Lola.

In December 2020 – at the height of the coronavirus restrictions Lola posted a video which appeared to show her heading from London to her ancestral home on the Isle of Bute in defiance of the UK-wide travel ban 

Lola, whose mother is the fashion designer Serena Bute, explained she had a 'niggling feeling of worry' when she said goodbye to him at Christmas 2020, after the family spent the break together at their ancestral seat on the Isle of Bute 

Lady Lola shared this photo taken on a boat and said she 'felt iconic' after a year of sobriety 

It was claimed that Lady Lola made the 360-mile journey from London to Mount Stuart, her family’s stately home, just after the English capital was plunged into Tier 4 lockdown in response to high numbers of infections from a new strain of the virus. 

Lady Lola’s fatherhad several properties on Bute, including historic Mount Stuart, which can be hired as a wedding venue, and a family cottage.

Since his death, Lola frequently pays tribute to him online.

Speaking to the Telegraph in 2022, Lola explained she had a 'niggling feeling of worry' when she said goodbye to him at Christmas 2020, after the family spent the break together at their ancestral seat on the Isle of Bute.

'At the ferry, I kept running back to give him another hug. There was something weird in me that was like "Imagine if this was the last time I ever hugged him". And I then didn't see him until the day [before] he died, because it was lockdown.' 

Sadly,  the family thought John had beaten his leukaemia, when he relapsed.

'I literally didn't think it was going to happen until it happened,' Lola added, 'he was so strong. He was like our rock. He'd never even had a cold.' 

Her mother Serena added that she feels like 'half a person' since losing her husband of 21 years and that she didn't want to worry their children unnecessarily when the cancer returned.

'I think he had hoped that even though he'd relapsed he'd just beat it. So we had this month here on our own, cuddled up together, which was in retrospect a really amazing time.'

She added it's 'easy to take someone for granted' because you just 'expect them to be there' and that he 'wanted the world for Lola' and had 'great faith in her'.

John also has daughters Caroline and Cathleen as well as son John (the new Marquis) from his first marriage to Carolyn Waddell. He also had step-children Jonathan and Jazzy De Lisser from Serena's relationship with Robert De Lisser.

Former racing driver John Crichton-Stuart, who also known as John Bute and Johnny Dumfries, died in March 2021, at the age of 62, from cancer. Lady Lola and her mother Serena are pictured at his funeral in April 2021

Lola Bute (centre) seen during the funeral procession of her father with her mother and siblings. From left: John Bryson Crichton-Stuart, 8th Marquess of Bute, Lady Caroline Crichton-Stuart, Serena Bute, Lady Lola, Lady Cathleen Crichton-Stuart, Jazzy Delisser and Jonathan Delisser

Happier times: Lady Lola is pictured with model Adwoa Aboah (second left), her father and photographer Felix Cooper in 2018

Serena Bute, Lola Bute (front) Jazzy de Lisser (back) and Johnny Bute are pictured in 2009 in London

Prince Charles with the Marquess of Bute John Crichton-Stuart, 62, back in 2007

One the first anniversary of his death, she wrote: 'A year ago today my world changed forever. I could never have imagined a life without you, but you taught me what it is to be strong , what it is to survive.

'I miss you with every fibre in my being. I love you with every inch of my heart and soul. Nothing will ever fill the hole left in my heart, but I have learnt that with time, it will slowly heal.

'Thank you for giving me the courage to walk through this life without you. Thank you for teaching me everything I know, I believe the best parts of me are you shining through. 

'Thank you for being the most selfless, honourable, kind and gentle human being I have ever known. Thank you for being my Role model. Thank you for being the rock that held two broken families as one.

'Thank you for the love you showed everyone in your path. Thank you for your laugh and your beautiful smile. Thank you for those twinkly blue eyes and amazing dancing.

'Thank you for all of the memories we will cherish forever. Thank you for that huge heart that you shared with us all. Most of all, thank you for being my dada.

'I am so proud to be your daughter. You dada, are my hero. The brightest star in the sky, shining down on us all. I love you forever and always.'

The post was accompanied by a slideshow of images of Lola and John taken over the years.

John spent much of his time on his namesake Scottish island at his ancestral home, Mount Stuart, and had chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust since 2005.

The 7th Marquess, once ranked 616th in the Rich List, was also a Formula 1 driver in 1986 as he partnered Ayrton Senna and raced under the name Johnny Dumfries.

During his racing career he also won the 24-hour race, Le Mans, in 1988.

In 2007 the Marquess of Bute sold his other family home, Dumfries House, to King Charles for £45million.

The Marquess of Bute, pictured in a photo shared by Lola, was remembered as 'the most selfless, honourable, kind and gentle human being I have ever known'

Mr Bute, pictured with his treasured wife Serena, Marchioness of Bute, died aged 62 in March 2021

John raced in Formula One under the name Johnny Dumfries in 1986 for the Lotus team alongside Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna

Lola was eight months sober when her father passed away - having sought help for 'unhealthy coping mechanisms' following the suicide of her boyfriend Kai Schachter (pictured together) and the accidental overdose of her best friend Ila Scheckter. 

Lola revealed further photos from the trip on her Instagram Stories, including this shot of her with her father, whom she called her 'hero'

The 7th Marquess of Bute's socialite daughter has shared a series of festive snaps from their home in Scotland - after 'breaking lockdown rules' to travel there from London

Kai, who is pictured with British socialite Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart, was understood to be living between London and New York at the time of his death

Lady Lola, centre, with (left-right) Kesewa Aboah, the 25-year-old artist sister of Adwoa, Ruby Boglione, the youngest daughter of Petersham Nurseries founders Gael and Francesco, half-sister Jazzy de Lisser and Adwoa. The group recreated a photo taken together 12 years ago

It is thought the group is staying at a holiday cottage, rather than the family's ancestral seat, Mount Stuart Manor House, pictured in a stock photo, which is home to Lola's parents

Lola shared this sweet photograph of her parents with her as a newborn as part of her tribute

At the time of his death his family issued a statement describing him as a 'devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, son and grandfather and loved by all'.

It said: 'The indomitable spirit and energy which Johnny brought to his life will be greatly missed, and the immense warmth and love with which he embraced his family.

'His heart was firmly rooted on the Island of Bute where he spent much of his time.

'Johnny chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust from its active inauguration in 2005 when Mount Stuart and its gardens opened to the public, and its rural estate was vested into the charitable trust.

'He was a moderniser and an inspirational thinker, transitioning a family home to a progressive, working visitor facility and estate.

'His island projects include the internationally respected Bute Fabrics and, most recently, the Kerrylamont Centre for Rural Excellence and Bute Yard. He was a philanthropist through his foundation, particularly focusing on Scotland and the West Coast. His family request privacy at this time.'

However, Lola appears to have found happiness after tragedy, last year revealing her relationship with Dutch model Parker van Noord, 26, who is an ambassador for Jean Paul Gaultier.

Sharing a snap kissing him at a party, Lola captioned the post: 'Happy new year from me and mine,' in January 2023.

Parker, who looked dapper in a tailored black suit, is the son of the late celebrated male model Andre van Noord.

Lola looked typically chic in a fitted satin gown which featured diamond straps and she paired it with a black pendant necklace. 

Her blonde locks fell loose in a centre parting and her glam makeup enhanced her natural beauty. 

Lady Lola looked incredible in a satin black dress on New Years eve as she posed for sizzling snaps with her new beau

The society beauty posed up a storm with her boyfriend, who is an ambassador for the Jean Paul Gaultier label

Lola shared a snap of her posing on a worktop in a pair of silky black pyjamas and glitter heels

Parker was also by Lola's side as she celebrated her 25th birthday - two months early.

Lola who split her time between three homes growing up. The London house, overlooking Regent’s Park was once the Monty Python studios, her family seat Mount Stuart is a four-storey Victorian Gothic built in the 1870s in the Isle of Bute where she celebrated the rowdy bash.

Hundreds of guests were flown out to a remote Scottish island, where they dined on dinner of lobster, oysters and local beef for the socialite's recent birthday.

A marching band and a fireworks display to rival most Guy Fawkes nights.... it might sound like a celebrity wedding, but it was in fact the 25th birthday party of Lady Lola Bute.

Once there, well-heeled guests had a weekend-long celebration, dancing in the 19th Century Gothic revival dining hall, and sleeping in grand bedrooms that look straight out of a fantasy novel.

An evening of celebrations simply wasn't enough. Princess Olympia of Greece and Lady Mary Charteris, danced with members of the Guinness family, who downed Iron Bru  during a festival-themed party in the day before switching to more sophisticated dirty martinis with their black tie attire in the evening.

An evening of celebrations simply wasn't enough. Princess Olympia of Greece and Lady Mary Charteris, danced with members of the Guinness family, who downed Iron Bru  during a festival-themed party in the day before switching to more sophisticated dirty martinis with their black tie attire in the evening.

Lady Lola Bute celebrated her 25th birthday in style in her ancestral home this week

The aristocrat partied the night away - with Lola opting for a custom dress by Alice Doble

Lola danced away in her family seat a 19th Century Gothic revival dining hall

Laura D’Agnelli was among the exclusive guests at Lady Lola's party, and she dressed to impress in a lace bodice and diamond necklace

Chanel and champagne! Laura D'Agnelli sipped from a little bottle of bubbly with a  straw and showed off her quilted bag

And... relax! The birthday girl took a little time out on the ground after a wild party with her pals

Laura D'Agnelli and Coco Musgrave looked elegant in black lact as they sipped on martinis 

Guests shared snaps inside the lavish manor house - including on a grand staircase

Lola - who had multiple outfit changes - was lifted into the air and carried inside a giant tenet

Lola looked like a total rockstar dancing in her home

Guests sat at long tables and enjoyed dinners before heading to the dancefloor

Other guest - including Mary Chareris (pictured) shared snaps inside the lavish home

... And a photobooth for good measure! One guest, Esme Rose, posed in the booth in black and white

A fond farewell! Lady Lola blew her pals a kiss goodbye as she appeared from a high window in the amazing building

Esme Rose also donned a black lace dress to attend the shindig

At one point, Lola appeared to hop on the bus - dressed to the nines in her silver party dress 

The festival-vibe of the day party was equally as extravagant as the night. Lola opted for a pink fur jacket, jeans and a T-shirt with 'WET' written across the chest

The aristocrat, who is the daughter of the late John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute and fashion designer Serena Bute, took guests - including Sienna Miller (pictured) , Charlotte Tilbury and Poppy Delevingne - to her family seat Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute in the Scottish Highlands

Guests shared snaps inside the home, including in the bedrooms they were saying in

Sienna Miller, left, looked stunning in a silver gown 

Charlotte Tilbury was among the well-heeled guests enjoying the festivities 

Sienna has been pictured at many of Lola's parties over the years and looked stunning in an ehtereal white dress

Guests also shared glimpses inside the hall and chapel at the manor house

Dozens of guests shared snaps of Lola - pictured - looking stunning

Designer Alice Doble also shared snaps of herself running around the isalnd

Some guests shared the 'LB25' menu - which included seafood and 'Bute beef'

Keeping with the Scottish theme, Lola was serenaded by a band of bagpipes

Poppy Delevingne, pictured, was among the many guest shared snaps of the night

Poppy was among the well-heeled guests and stunner in a silver cut out gown

Even royalty was in attendance, with Princess Olympia of Greece among the guests

Mary Charteris, right, was one of the many guests showing off multiple outfits

Jazzy De Lisser (left), Lola's half-sister, threw the party for the 25-year-old

Designer Annie Doble wowed in a 'Aphrodite Gown' 

Lola also shared loved up snaps with boyfriend Dutch actor and model Parker Van Noord

Guests shared the 'LB' decorations around the party

Lola was equally as dressed up for the day in a bright pink fur coat

Lola opted for heels and a feather fur coat for the evening 

Guests shared snaps inside the venue, including lavish hallways

The ornate ceiling was a feature appreciated by many attendees

Guests also enjoyed fireworks displays and danced amongst giant inflatable mushrooms

DJ Mary Charteris, the daughter of James Charteris, 13th Earl of Wemyss, provided the playlist for the evening 

Lady Mary Charteris shared snaps of her daughter's toys on her DJ set

Lady Lola looked amazed to watch the bagpipe band play

The street food was provided by her brother Joshua de Lisser, who runs popular London restaurant Boom Burger

Mary Charteris was among the guests showing off multiple outfits

Jack Guinnes enjoyed an Iron Bru (left) while  Lola cosied up to guests (right)

Lola was sure to command attention in the eye catching top 

Burgers were served with pink wrapping - the exact same hue as Lola's jacket - with 'Lola's 25th' written across them

Lola herself, who is known for her party girl antics, showed off her svelte figure in an extreme mini dress, reminiscent for Paris Hilton's famous 21st birthday dress. 

The 90s-inspired micro was  custom-made by Annie Doble of Annie's Ibiza, with a 1920s Egyptian fabric.

Dozens of guests shared clips of Lola dancing seductively before being lifted into the air by her boyfriend Dutch actor and model Parker Van Noord.

The DJ was Lola's childhood friend Lady Mary Charteris, 37,  who plays in the Big Pink alongside her husband Robbie Furze. They brought their daughter Wilde Jessie Furze, two, along. 

The festival-vibe of the day party was equally as extravagant as the night. Lola opted for a pink fur jacket, jeans and a T-shirt with 'WET' written across the chest.

Burgers were served with pink wrapping - the exact same hue as Lola's jacket - with 'Lola's 25th' written across them.

The street food was provided by her brother Joshua de Lisser, who runs popular London restaurant Boom Burger.

Meanwhile the party was organised by Jazzy de Lisser, Lola's sister, and her mother Serena Bute.

Serena is a clothing designer whose looks are a favourite of Kate Moss and Rita Ora. 

As well as Jazzy, Joshua and Lola, Lola has siblings Caroline