The Honourable Charles Henry Lyell was the only son of the 1st Baron Lyell of Kinnordy. He lived with his wife in Cardogan Gardens (London). He was also a former pupil at Eton and New College, Oxford.

In 1917, Lyell resigned his seat as a Member of Parliament for South Edinburgh.   

Major Lyell was an officer in the Royal Garrison Artillery.

Lyell died on 18 October 1918 at his apartment located at The Brighton Apartments, Washington D.C. He is buried in Grave Reference L.4140, Southern Division Officer's Section.