ROBERT Fellowes was known for serving as Queen Elizabeth II’s Private Secretary for nine years.
He has passed away at the age of 82 after an important career within the Royal Family. Here’s everything we know.
Who was Robert Fellowes?
Robert Fellowes was born at Sandringham House in 1941.
He was related to Sarah, the Duchess of York and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.
Fellowes was educated at Eton College and joined the Scots Guards in 1960 on a short service commission.
Then in 1963 he entered the banking industry working for Allen Harvey and Ross Ltd, discount brokers and bankers before becoming a managing director in 1968.
He went on to become one of the late Queen’s most important advisers between 1990 and 1999, during the divorces of three of her children and Princess Diana’s death.
He helped through what she called her ‘annus horribilis’ in 1992 when King Charles was at war with Diana, Prince Andrew separated from Sarah, Princess Anne divorced, Windsor Castle went up in flames and public opinion turned against the royals.
When did Lord Robert Fellowes die?
It was announced on Wednesday, Jul 31, 2024 that Robert had passed away at the age of 82.
Lord Fellowes died on July 29 but the cause has not yet been revealed.
He leaves behind his wife Lady Jane and their three children – Laura, Alexander and Eleanor.
How was Robert Fellowes related to the late Princess Diana’?
Robert Fellowes was the husband of Lady Jane Fellowes, the sister of Princess Diana.
He was originally accused by Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed of involvement in a conspiracy to murder his son Dodi and the Princess.
According to The Telegraph: “Mr Al Fayed claimed in a letter that Lord Fellowes commandeered the operations room of the British embassy in Paris to help mastermind a plot to murder the couple in the early hours of August 31, 1997, sending messages to GCHQ.”
However, the news site also reported that Fellowes produced a solid alibi and the inquest into Diana and Dodi’s death was caused by their driver and the paparazzi’s pursuit.
Speaking about Diana following her tragic death, Fellowes told The Telegraph: “I was deeply fond of her. She was very good person.
“She found it difficult in life to find happiness, and I’m sad for people who have that situation.”
How did Robert Fellowes become the late Queen’s private secretary?
In 1977, Fellowes was recruited to join the Royal Household as Assistant Private Secretary.
He spent the next 20 years in the Private Secretary’s Office, becoming Deputy in 1986, and Private Secretary in 1990.
When he was the Queen’s private secretary, Fellowes helped guide the public’s perception of the monarchy during the turbulent period of Princess Diana and Prince (now King) Charles.
The position is typically reserved for the upper class.
Fellowes held the position for nine years up until 1999 and was succeeded by Robin Janvrin.
He received the Queen Elizabeth II version of the Royal Household Long and Faithful Service Medal in 1997 for 20 years of service to the Royal Family.
He remained an Extra Equerry to the late Queen up until her death in September 2022.
Who is Robert Fellowes’ wife Jane and do they have any children?
Lady Jane Fellowes is one of the two older sisters of the late Princess of Wales.
Lady Jane and Robert got married in 1978 at Westminster Abbey, where Diana was a bridesmaid.
Lady Jane took the title of Baroness at the end of Robert’s tenure when he was appointed a Baron and inducted into the House of Lords.
The couple had three children Laura Jane Fellowes, Alexander Robert Fellowes, and Eleanor Ruth Fellowes.
Laura is Princess Charlotte‘s godmother.
Who played Robert Fellowes in The Crown?
British actor Andrew Havill played Robert Fellowes in The Crown for seasons five and six.
Havill is known for his performances in costume dramas including Nicholas Nickleby, The Iron Lady, Hyde Park on Hudson, The Imitation Game, The King, Downton Abbey, and The Duke.
He began his career in theatre and was part of the Oxford University Dramatic Society with roles in productions including Twelfth Night, The Recruiting Office and As You Like It.
Which other private secretaries have served The Queen?
Fellowes was succeeded by Sir Robin Janvrin who took on the role from 1999 to 2007.
Sir Christopher Geidt then became the late queen’s private secretary for 10 years.
He was then replaced by Sir Edward Young in 2017 until 2022.
Since September 8, 2022, Sir Clive Alderton has served as Private Secretary to King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
What did Robert Fellowes do after leaving his role as Queen’s private secretary?
Fellowes left his position as the Queen’s private secretary in February 1999.
He then returned to his former job of private banking.
He was introduced to the House of Lords and took his seat formally on October 26, 1999.
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