Nicholas Eden, 2nd Earl of Avon, (3 October 1930 – 17 August 1985), styled Viscount Eden between 1961 and 1977, was a British Army officer and, later, a Conservative politician. He was the younger son of Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden and his first wife, Beatrice (née Beckett).
Career
Eden was educated at Ludgrove School and Eton College.
Called up for National Service, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps, his father's former regiment, on 20 May 1950. He transferred to a Territorial Army commission with effect from 6 August 1953, in the same rank (seniority from 20 May 1950), and was promoted to acting lieutenant from the same date (seniority from 17 January 1952). He served as ADC to the Governor General of Canada from 1952 to 1953. to the substantive rank on 3 October 1957 (seniority from 1 March 1956), to acting major on 1 November 1959 and to substantive major on 3 October 1964 (seniority from 1 November 1959. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration (TD) in 1965
Government service
Having risen to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Royal Green Jackets, Lord Avon served under Margaret Thatcher as British Parliamentary delegate to the North Atlantic Assembly from 1979,
Personal life
Widely known to have been homosexual, Upon his death, his titles became extinct. At the time of his death, the News of the World identified a man "listed as authorizing cremation of Avon's body as an antiques dealer who lived with Avon in Holland Park."
He was generous, giving numerous dinners catered by him even when in government. He had an interest in a restaurant "Nicks Diner" at one time.