In the world of the British royal family, some characters move behind the scenes and quietly shape the course of history without seeking attention.
Lord Robert Fellowes, a man who had a profound influence on the inner workings of the royal family, is one such figure. Although he was known to the public as Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, there was much more to Lord Robert’s life than what the media saw.
His role in some of the most tumultuous times for the royal family, his association with Princess Diana, and his deep ties to the monarchy and his family make his death at the age of 82 a poignant moment in British royal history.
But what was it about Lord Robert that made him so indispensable to the crown – and why did his life become intertwined with some of the most dramatic events of the late 20th century?
Lord Robert Fellowes, the uncle of Prince William and Prince Harry, has died. He was eighty-two.
Lord Robert served as the late Queen’s private secretary from 1990 to 1999, despite not being related to Princess Diana.
In 1992 he helped the Queen through her “annus horribilis”, a period of several problems for the royal family.
In the same year, Princess Anne divorced, Prince Andrew ended his relationship with Sarah Ferguson, Prince Charles and Diana separated, and Windsor Castle was destroyed by fire.
Later, Mohamal-Fayedayed, the owner of the Harrods department store, made strange statements about Lord Robert. He denied any involvement in Diana’s 1997 car accident.
Despite the ongoing Second World War, Robert Fellowes was born in 1941 at Sandringham House in Norfolk.
In 1960 he enlisted in the Scots Guards on a temporary commission after attending Eton College.
He began his career as a banker in 1963 working for discount brokers and bankers Allen Harvey and Ross Ltd.
In 1978, Lord Robert and Lady Jane Fellowes were married in Westminster Abbey.
Lady Jane’s sister, Princess Diana, attended the wedding as a bridesmaid.
Fellowes joined the royal household in 1977 as an assistant private secretary.
He rose through the ranks during his 20 years in office, becoming deputy in 1986 and private secretary in 1990.
Lord Robert served in this role for nine years before Robin Janvrin took over in 1999.
He received Queen Elizabeth I| Version of the Royal Long and Faithful Service Medal in 1997, after 20 years of service to the Royal Family.
He was also the late Queebackupk-up horse before her death in September 2022.
Lady Jane became a baroness once Robert’s term ended and he became a baronet.
It was first introduced to the House of Lords on 26 October 1999.
Eleanor Ruth Fellowes, Alexander Robert Fell, owes and Laura Jane Fellowes are their three children.
After Diana’s untimely death in 1997, Fellowes told The Telegraph: “I was very fond of her.” She was an amazing personality.
“It was hard for her to be happy and I feel sorry for people who are in that situation.”
Lord Robert Fellowes leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to the Royal Family, marked by his steadfast leadership at some of its most challenging times.
As private secretary to the late Queen, he played a key role in guiding the monarchy through turbulent times, including the crises of 1992. While his life was filled with public service, Lord Robert also cherished his family, including his beloved wife Lady JaAnd, and their children. His candid reflections on Princess Diana and his deep empathy for her struggles reveal a man who valued kindness and integrity. His death at the age of 82 ends a remarkable chapter in the history of the royal household, but his contribution will not be forgotten. Lord Robert Fellowes was a man of quiet strength, unswerving loyalty, and a true servant of the Crown and his legacy will continue to be honored by those who knew him best.