Prince William and Prince Harry suffer new heartbreak as their uncle dies aged 82

The British courtier was among the late Queen’s most important advisers.

Lord Robert Fellowes, the uncle of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, has died at the age of 82.

He served as private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II for nine years, and was married to Princess Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Spencer for 46 years.

The British courtier was the late monarch’s most important adviser during the divorces of three of her children and the late Princess of Wales’s death in 1997.

Lord Fellowes helped the Queen through a particularly difficult year in 1992 – which she dubbed her “annus horribilis” – as it was the year Charles and Diana separated, Andrew and Sarah separated, Anne got divorced and Windsor Castle went up in flames.

He passed away on 29 July and his cause of death is “undisclosed” at this time.

Tributes were led today by Princess Diana’s brother the Earl Spencer who wrote: “My absolutely exceptional brother-in-law, Robert, is no longer with us.

“A total gentleman – in all the best meanings of that word – he was a man of humour, wisdom and utter integrity. I’m deeply proud to have been his brother-in-law.”

Prince William, Harry's emotional 'reconciliation photo' moves fans to tears

Lord Fellowes married Diana’s sister Lady Jane Spencer in 1978 with whom he shares three children – Alexander, Eleanor and Laura.

He was closely connected to the royals through more than just marriage and served as Queen Elizabeth’s private secretary between 1990 and 1999, although he worked for the Queen in more junior roles since 1977.

Lord Fellowes remained a close confidant of the Queen until her death in September 2022 and remained an equerry.

He was born in 1941, and according to The Times, met the late Queen as baby when she was still a princess.

The monarch later remarked: “Robert is the only one of my private secretaries I have held in my arms.”

The Queen and Prince Philip viewing the extensive floral tributes to Princess Diana.
The Queen and Prince Philip viewing the extensive floral tributes to Princess Diana

While Lord Fellowes studied at Eton, he did not attend university.

In his capacity as private secretary to the Queen, he was not only a confidant but instrumental at some of the key moments in the monarch’s life.

He is reported to have sped up her return to London from Balmoral following news of Diana’s untimely death in 1997, when she faced harsh criticism for not returning to the city sooner.

Opening up to the Daily Telegraph about his late sister-in-law’s respective work, he said: “She was very good at it – an extraordinary communicator with a great feeling for the underdog.

“It never became patronising. She chose the areas where she thought she could make a difference, and on the whole, she did that.”

Related Posts

“She Gave Me a Reason to Fight”: Keanu Reeves’ Heart-Wrenching Revelation of Cancer Battle and Alexandra Grant’s Unwavering Love That Moved the World to Tears

In the quiet hum of a Los Angeles evening, Keanu Reeves sat in a dimly lit studio, his signature salt-and-pepper beard framing a face etched with both…

Princess Anne Stuns the World by Handing Her Iconic Princess Royal Title to Young Charlotte, Leaving Lilibet in America Out of the Succession.

In an unprecedented move that has sent ripples through the British monarchy and captivated royal enthusiasts worldwide, Princess Anne, the steadfast and revered Princess Royal, has reportedly…

A Reporter Asked Johnny Depp About His Biggest Regret — His Answer Changed the Entire Interview

On a quiet afternoon in London, a rare and candid interview with Johnny Depp took an unexpected turn when a reporter posed a seemingly simple question: “What’s…

More Than Just a Role: Johnny Depp’s Unforgettable Journey with Edward Scissorhands

Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Edward Scissorhands in Tim Burton’s 1990 gothic fairy tale remains one of the most iconic performances of his career, a role he has…

Unveiling the Truth: Is Tom Cruise’s Life Really Similar to 80s Icons like Keanu Reeves? Shocking Revelations About the Star’s Lifestyle That Will Leave You Speechless!

Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves have long been regarded as two of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, with careers that have spanned decades and captivated millions. They became…

A Must-Watch Collaboration of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie

Released in 2010, The Tourist stands as a captivating blend of romance, thriller, and comedy, featuring the magnetic pairing of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Directed by…