The Duke of Wellington dies at the age of 99

<![CDATA[The 8th Duke of Wellington, whose ancestors fought in the Battle of Waterloo, has died at the grand age of 99. He died six months before the bi-centenary year of the Battle of Waterloo.

The Duke, just shy of his 100th birthday, died in his home at the Stratfield Saye Estate in Hampshire, where he was surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Charles Wellesley, The Duke’s eldest son, now immediately succeeds his father’s title at the age of 69, becoming the 9th Duke of Wellington.
In just a few months time, it will be the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo in which the British army, under the command of the 1st Duke of Wellington, defeated Napoleon.
A spokesperson for The Duke said that a small private funeral would take place for family on Thursday January 8 on the Stratfield Saye estate.
Before his death, The Duke spoke of how important it is to mark the anniversary of Waterloo. In a message posted on the Waterloo 200 website, he said: “I am often asked whether we should not now, in these days of European unity, forget Waterloo and the battles of the past.”
“My reply is, history cannot be forgotten and we need to be reminded of the bravery of the thousands of men from many nations who fought and died in a few hours on June 18 1815 and why their gallantry and sacrifice ensured peace in Europe for 50 years.”
The Duke of Wellington’s death means that Prince Philip is now the oldest Duke in the UK at the age of 93.
Photo credit: Dave Hamster via photopin cc]]>