Lord Robert Fellowes, the uncle of Prince Harry and Prince William, has passed away at the age of 82.
He was married to Princess Diana and served as the late Queen’s private secretary from 1990 to 1999.
During the “annus horribilis” of 1992, when the royal family faced numerous challenges, Lord Robert provided crucial support to the Queen. That year, Prince Charles had a public fallout with Diana, Prince Andrew separated from Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne divorced, and a fire ravaged Windsor Castle.
Later, Mohammed al Fayed, the owner of Harrods, made controversial claims about Lord Robert, asserting that he was not responsible for Diana’s tragic car accident in 1997.
Lord Robert Fellowes was born at Sandringham House in Norfolk in 1941, during the height of the Second World War. After attending Eton College, he joined the Scots Guards on a short-term commission in 1960.
In 1963, he began his banking career with Allen Harvey and Ross Ltd., a company specializing in discount brokerage and banking.
He married Lady Jane Fellowes in 1978 at Westminster Abbey, with Diana Spencer—Lady Jane’s sister and future Princess Diana—serving as a bridesmaid.
In 1977, Lord Robert joined the Royal Household as an Assistant Private Secretary. He later served as Deputy Private Secretary and then Private Secretary from 1986 to 1999, completing a total of 20 years in the role.
During his tenure, Queen Elizabeth II honored him with the Royal Household Long and Faithful Service Medal. He continued to support the late Queen in various capacities until her passing in September 2022.
At the end of his term, Robert was made a Baron, and Lady Jane was elevated to Baroness before him. He took his seat in the House of Lords on October 26, 1999.
Together, they had three children: Eleanor Ruth Fellowes, Alexander Robert Fellowes, and Laura Jane Fellowes.
The death of Diana in 1997 deeply affected Fellowes. He told The Telegraph, “I was very fond of her. She was a remarkable person. It was difficult for her to find happiness, and I feel for those who are experiencing similar struggles.”
