Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana trusted Robert Fellowes, who has died aged 82.
He was the uncle of Prince William and Prince Harry and was very active in the British royal family. Followers was married to Lady Jane Spencer, sister of the late Princess Diana. Together the couple had three children: Laura, Eleanor, and Alexander.
During the 1990s, when Princess Diana and the then Prince Charles divorced, among other major difficulties, Lord Fellowes was the late Queen’s private secretary. Additionally, Princess Anne’s marriage to Mark Phillips ended around this time, as did Fergie’s marriage to Prince Andrew.
He was instrumental in managing the Windsor Castle fire in 1992, which damaged 115 rooms.
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Lord Fellowes was in charge when Princess Diana, his sister-in-law,w and her partner Dodi Fayed – son of Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed – as well as her driver Henri Paul and bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jone, crashed the Mercedes in PontDede l’Alma tunnel in Paris while trying to avoid the paparazzi. Princess Diana died in a tragic car accident.
Following the death of Diana Dodi Fayed, Mohamed Al Fayed, Dodi’s father and the owner of the Harrods department store, accused Fellowes of being involved in a plot to kill the pair. Fellowes vehemently denied the allegations.
According to The Times, Lord Fellowes died on July 29 of unspecified causes, according to his obituary.
Charles Spencer, Lady Di’s brother, took to social media to send a message to his brother-in-law.
“My absolutely exceptional brother-in-law Robert is no longer with us,” he wrote on X.
“A true gentleman in every sense of the word, he was a man of wisdom, humor, and unwavering integrity. I feel incredibly honored to have served as his brother-in-law.”
Sir William “Billy” Fellowes, father of Lord Fellowes, was for thirty years a land agent on the Sandringham Estate, which belonged to the royal family. Interestingly, Lord Fellowes was also born there.
The late Queen Elizabeth is said to have remarked: “Robert is the only one of my private secretaries that I have held in my arms,” ​​according to The Times.
In recognition of Lord Fellowes, the County of Norfolk granted him the title of Baron Fellowes of Shotesham.
The departure of Lord Robert Fellowes marks the end of an era in the British royal family, as he was a trusted confidant and integral figure during significant moments in royal history. Having served as Queen Elizabeth’s private secretary during difficult times, including the aftermath of high-profile divorces and the tragic fire at Windsor Castle, Fellowes was a figure of immense responsibility and loyalty. His role was not limited to his duties in the royal household but extended to personal contacts, notably through his marriage to Lady Jane Spencer, sister of the late Princess Diana, and his deep involvement in her life and tragic death.Â
Despite public scrutiny and accusations, Lord Fellowes remained steadfast and dignified in the face of adversity. His character, described by his brother-in-law Charles Spencer as one of wisdom, humor, and integrity, left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Heartfelt tributes from his family and peers reflect the profound loss of a man who dedicated his life to service and remained a constant presence during the royal family’s tumultuous moments.
As a member of the Fellowes family with deep links to the royal estate of Sandringham, Lord Fellowes’ legacy is linked to his personal and professional contributions.
His passing is a sad moment not only for his family but also for the wider community who witnessed his unwavering devotion to the British monarchy. He will be remembered as a true gentleman who exemplified loyalty, dut,y, and grace.