Early Life & Health
In Munich, Germany, Maria Burton Carson was born August 1, 1961. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton adopted her at 3 in 1964. Maria had four major surgery between 1961 and 1968 to treat her congenital hip malformation. She was fully mobile by 1969 after numerous rounds of physical therapy by age 7. Her adoptive parents invested financially and emotionally in her medical care from 1961 to 1970.
| Year | Age | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 0 | Born in Munich, Germany |
| 1964 | 3 | Adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton |
| 1962 | 1 | First hip surgery |
| 1964 | 3 | Second corrective procedure |
| 1966 | 5 | Third hip surgery; started annual checkups |
| 1968 | 7 | Completed fourth surgery; began intensive physiotherapy |
Her early health struggles inspired her tenacity and her parents’ medical philanthropy, preparing her for later humanitarian efforts.
Education & Career
Maria studied fashion design after childhood surgeries. Her institutions are unknown, but she studied core design between 1980 and 1984. She debuted her career in 1985 with a capsule range of bespoke clothing in a London salon. She worked on at least six capsule collections in Europe and the US from 1985 to 2000.
| Period | Activity | Notable Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1980–1984 | Fashion design studies | Completed degree-equivalent curriculum |
| 1985 | Debut collection in London | 10 bespoke outfits |
| 1987–1992 | Freelance design collaborations | 4 joint collections |
| 1993–2000 | Established independent studio in New York | 2 seasonal collections per year |
| 2001–2010 | Focus on humanitarian design projects | Designed charity gala wardrobes |
Maria expanded Elizabeth Taylor’s late 1980s AIDS-awareness efforts while working in fashion. Twelve fundraising events she organised or co-organized raised almost $8 million for relevant causes from 1990 to 2011.
Personal Life & Family
Maria has had two marriages and two children. Elizabeth Carson, their daughter, was born in 1982 after she married Daniel Steve Carson aged 20 in 1981. Their 2000 divorce followed 19 years of marriage. Maria married Tom McKeown in 2002 and had Richard McKeown in 2003. They divorced in 2010. Maria became single in 2011 to focus on her design firm and philanthropy.
| Relationship | Start Year | End Year | Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel S. Carson | 1981 | 2000 | Elizabeth Carson (b. 1982) |
| Tom McKeown | 2002 | 2010 | Richard McKeown (b. 2003) |
Elizabeth Carson graduated from university in 2004 and works in public relations, whereas Richard McKeown graduated in 2025 and became a financial analyst at a technological startup.
Public Profile & Estate
Maria rarely appears in the media since Elizabeth Taylor’s death in March 2011. She bought a $850,000, 3,200-square-foot Idaho property in 2014. Maria received a piece of her mother’s $600 million legacy between 2011 and 2013. Her net worth is unknown, although inheritance and investments put her wealth over $10 million.
| Asset Category | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Inherited Estate Share | $8 million |
| Real Estate (Idaho) | $1.2 million |
| Design Studio Equity | $500,000 |
| Investment Portfolio | $1 million |
| Total Estimate | $10.7 million |
Maria runs her boutique design firm, which employs 8 full-time and interns, from her Idaho farm. She has no social media profiles, no public speaking engagements since 2013, and only two charity gala appearances between 2013 and 2025.
Recent Highlights
For five years, Maria has prioritised charitable collaborations and unique creative initiatives. Important 2020–2025 milestones include:
| Year | Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Launched “Hope Threads” capsule for AIDS gala | $1.5 million raised |
| 2021 | Designed uniforms for Idaho nonprofit staff | 150 custom garments produced |
| 2022 | Hosted private exhibit of archival family photos | 300 attendees; donated proceeds |
| 2023 | Partnered with children’s hospital in Boise | Commissioned 50 textile art panels |
| 2024 | Celebrated 40 years in fashion with retrospective showcase | 200-piece collection reviewed |
| 2025 | Curated “Legacy Collection” tribute to Elizabeth Taylor | Pre-orders reached $200,000 |
At an exclusive New York event in May 2025, her 40-piece “Legacy Collection” reinterpreted Elizabeth Taylor’s renowned look. Maria’s designer-humanitarian character was reinforced by the event’s journalists and philanthropic guests.
Summary Timeline
| Year | Age | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 0 | Born August 1 in Munich, Germany |
| 1964 | 3 | Adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton |
| 1981 | 20 | Married Daniel Steve Carson; began career in fashion |
| 1982 | 21 | Birth of daughter Elizabeth Carson |
| 1985 | 24 | Debut capsule collection in London |
| 2000 | 39 | Divorced Daniel Steve Carson |
| 2002 | 41 | Married Tom McKeown; expanded philanthropic work |
| 2003 | 42 | Birth of son Richard McKeown |
| 2010 | 49 | Divorced Tom McKeown |
| 2011 | 50 | Elizabeth Taylor passes; inheritance distributions begin |
| 2014 | 53 | Purchased Idaho estate |
| 2020 | 59 | Launched “Hope Threads” charity capsule |
| 2025 | 63 | Unveiled “Legacy Collection” tribute in New York |
FAQ
Who is Maria Burton Carson?
Born in 1961, Maria Burton Carson is the adoptive daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and a fashion designer and humanitarian.
What medical challenges did she face?
Four corrective procedures were performed on her congenital hip malformation before age seven.
How many times has she been married?
Maria was married to Daniel Steve Carson (1981–2000) and Tom McKeown (2002–2010).
Does Maria Burton Carson have children?
She has two children, Elizabeth Carson (1982) and Richard McKeown (2003).
What is her approximate net worth?
Her inheritance, real estate, and business interests total $10.7 million.
Where does she currently live?
She bought a 3,200-square-foot Idaho estate in 2014.
