Queen Elizabeth mourns loss of close friend

Queen Elizabeth’s close friend, Sir Timothy Colman, has died at the age of 91.

The British businessman, who was married to the Queen’s first cousin Lady Mary Colman, died surrounded by family, at his home at Bixley Manor, Norwich on September 9, his family have confirmed, The Sun reports. His death occurs eight months after his wife passed away at home on January 2, aged 88.

“He was a fountain of knowledge, a huge influence on a number of people of all ages, who sought his wise counsel,” his family said in a statement on Tuesday.

“He had a love and huge knowledge of the natural world, but, most importantly, he loved his family. With his late wife Mary, he created the happiest of family homes at Bixley Manor.”

At the time of her death, Lady Mary’s obituary read: “Lady Mary Cecilia died peacefully at home on Saturday 2 January 2021, aged 88.

“Most dearly loved wife of Sir Timothy Colman KG, adored mother of Sarah, Sabrina, Emma, James and Matthew, grandmother of ten, great-grandmother of sixteen.

“Private family funeral and a Service of Thanksgiving for Mary’s life to be held at a later date.”

Lady Mary was born in 1932 to Elizabeth Margaret Cator and Captain Michael Bowes-Lyon, who was the Queen Mother’s brother. She married Sir Colman in 1951 at 19 years of age at St Bartholomew the Great in London. The Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret all attended her nuptials. According to multiple reports, Lady Mary and Sir Colman were frequent guests at Sandringham and Balmoral.