Albemarle is the son of Derek William Charles Keppel, Viscount Bury, and his wife, the former Marina Davidoff, a daughter of Count Serge Orloff-Davidoff. Since his father predeceased his grandfather, the 9th Earl of Albemarle, Keppel succeeded to the Earldom at the age of fourteen on the death of his paternal grandfather in 1979.
He was educated at Saint Christopher School in Hertfordshire and Chelsea School of Art in London as well as Central Street Martins School of Art & Design.
Rufus is a distant cousin of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, because both the Duchess of Cornwall and Rufus are great-great-grandchildren of William Keppel, 7th Earl of Albemarle. He is known professionally as Rufus Albemarle. His great-grandfather, the 1st Marquess of Lincolnshire (1843–1928), held a quarter share in the Office and was Lord Great Chamberlain from the accession of George V until his death in 1928.
Lady Marjorie Wynn-Carington (1880–1968) oo Charles Wilson, 2nd Baron Nunburnholme Lady Alexandra Wynn-Carington (1881–1955) oo Colonel
William Llewellen Palmer Lady Ruperta Wynn-Carington (1883–1963) oo Lord Dartmouth Derek Keppel, Viscount Bury, son of Lady Judith Wynn-Carington (1889–1928) and Walter Keppel, 9th Earl of Albemarle. Lady Victoria Wynn-Carington (1892–1966) oo (1) Lieutenant
Nigel Legge-Bourke, (2) Major Honorary Edric Weld-Forester.
Each of the above held one fifth of Lord Lincolnshire"s quarter share in the office id est (that is) each held one twentieth share.
Derek Keppel, Viscount Bury died in 1968 and the current Lord Albermarle has held his father"s one twentieth share since then The then holder of this share will serve as Lord Great Chamberlain in the thirteenth reign after the current reign. The Honourable Rufus Arnold Alexis Keppel (1965–1968) Viscount Bury (1968–1979) The Right Honourable The Earl of Albemarle (since 14 July 1979).
