Lord Robert Fellowes, a key figure in the British royal household and the brother-in-law of Princess Diana, passed away at 82. Serving as Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary from 1990 to 1999, Lord Fellowes guided the Queen through a tumultuous decade that included the divorces of three of her children and the tragic death of Diana.

He supported the Queen during the difficult year of 1992, which she famously called her “Annus Horribilis,” marked by personal and public challenges for the royal family, including the fire at Windsor Castle.

In 1978, Lord Fellowes married Lady Jane Spencer, Diana’s sister, and they had three children. He later became a life peer and served as chairman of the Prison Reform Trust.

Lord Fellowes’ unwavering dedication to the Queen was evident during the aftermath of Diana’s death, when he played a crucial role in crafting the Queen’s widely praised speech to the nation. His passing marks the end of an era for the royal family, leaving behind a legacy of service and loyalty.