Queen’s heartbreak as close friend Lord Samuel Vestey dies aged 79

The Queen’s close friend Lord Samuel Vestey has died at the age of 79, Hello! magazine reports.

The death of Lord Vestey, who served as Master of the Horse to the Royal Household from 1999 to 2018 and was appointed as a permanent Lord-in-waiting to the monarch in 2019, was announced on Thursday and comes just a few months after his wife Lady Celia died suddenly. Lady Celia, who was godmother to Prince Harry, passed away “suddenly, but peacefully” at the age of 71 in November 2020.

Lord Vestey and his wife Lady Celia were members of the Queen’s inner circle and often attended royal events, including Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan in 2018 and his confirmation in 2000, where Lady Celia posed for a group photo with the young prince, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Harry’s other godparents.

The Queen and Lord Vestey shared a love for all things equestrian and were photographed together many times at horse shows and races, including the Royal Ascot. Vestey, whose mother was Australian, was also Racecourse chairman at Cheltenham for 21 years and dedicated his life to the racing industry.

Lord Vestey and Lady Celia were married for 39 years and shared three children together: William Guy Vestey, Arthur George Vestey and Mary Henrietta Vestey. Lord Samuel also had two daughters from his first marriage to Kathryn Eccles, Alexandra and Flora Grace.

Royals fans have since taken to social media to pay their respects, with Twitter user @andrewlsja writing: “Very sad to learn of the death of Lord Vestey. Lord Prior of the Order of St John (1991-2002). A devoted St John man of long and distinguished service, great commitment, charm and kindness. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

“Deeply saddened to read this,” @BrianLPorter added. “I knew Lord Samuel Vestey through St John and also his families company, Vestey Holdings, of which he was chairman.”