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British Royals

Royal Family pay tribute to Duke of Westminster who has died at the age of 64

Members of the Royal Family have expressed their shock and condolences over the sudden death of the Duke of Westminster on Tuesday.

Leading the tributes to the 64-year-old were The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. A spokesperson for the couple said that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the sudden death of their friend.

Her Majesty The Queen has written a private letter of condolence that will be send to the Duke’s family. Buckingham Palace said she was made aware of his passing yesterday evening.

Kensington Palace have also released a statement saying: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were very sad to learn of the Duke of Westminster’s passing yesterday. Their thoughts are very much with his family this morning.”

The father-of-four was a close friend of the Royal Family, and his widow, the Dowager Duchess of Westminster is godmother to Prince William.

Funeral arrangements will be released at a later date, and it is expected senior members of the Royal Family will be in attendance.

In the meantime, the Duke’s family have requested for ‘privacy and understanding’.

The Duke, who was Britain’s richest landowner was a close friend of the Royal Family. He particularly close to Prince Charles and a trustee of Princess Diana.

A spokesperson said this evening: “His family are all aware and they ask for privacy and understanding at this very difficult time. No further comment will be made for the time being but further information will follow in due course.”

Before his death, the Duke had suddenly become ill on his Abbeystead Estate. The cause of death has yet to be announced.

The Duke leaves behind his wife, Natalia Grosvenor, Dowager Duchess of Westminster, four children and four grandchildren. Hugh Grosvenor will assume the title of Duke of Westminster shortly after the funeral takes place.