Prince William and Prince Harry are saddened by the passing of their uncle, Robert Fellowes, who was the brother-in-law of their mother, the late Princess Diana.
Fellowes passed away last Monday, leaving a void in the Spencer family. The news was confirmed by The Times newspaper through an emotional obituary.
Earl Charles Spencer, ninth in title, expressed his grief in a statement on July 31, highlighting the exceptional qualities of his brother-in-law.
“My absolutely exceptional brother-in-law, Robert, is no longer with us,” the 9th Earl Charles Spencer wrote on Instagram, sharing The Times tribute.
“A total gentleman – in all the best meanings of that word – he was a man of humor, wisdom & utter integrity. I’m deeply proud to have been his brother-in-law,” he added.
Who was Robert Fellowes, uncle of William and Harry?
Robert Fellowes, uncle of Princes William and Harry, had a prominent relationship with the House of Windsor, not only through his marriage to Lady Jane Spencer but also as private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II.
Married in 1978 at the Royal Military Chapel in London, his position allowed him to introduce Jane into the inner circle of the Royal Family even before Princess Diana began her relationship with then Prince Charles.
Fellowes, who had previously served as deputy private secretary, was promoted to private secretary in 1990, a role he held until 1999, handling some of the monarchy’s most significant challenges at the time.
The passing of Lord Robert Fellowes comes shortly after the death of Thomas Kingston, husband of Lady Gabriella Kingston and son-in-law to Prince Michael of Kent, who departed at the age of 45.
Lord Fellowes leaves behind his wife Jane and their three children, Laura, Alexander, and Eleanor.
In terms of family connections, Fellowes was also a cousin of Sarah Ferguson, and his daughter Laura has the honor of being the godmother of Princess Charlotte.