He made his decision after death of close friend

PRINCE Philip made his historic deci- sion to retire from royal duties following the death of one of his closest friends.

He was devastated by the loss of Sir Brian McGrath, known as his ‘gatekeeper’, who died aged 90 last year, just before the Duke’s 95th birthday.

Friends say that while his decision to step down from public life is very much a personal one, there is little doubt that Philip was ‘deeply affected’ by the loss of the man who had been by his side for 15 years. The pair became great friends after Sir Brian joined the Duke as an assistant private secretary in 1982 and quickly rose to become the head of his household.

When he decided to retire in 1995, Philip immediately appointed him as an ‘extra equerry’ and the distinguished former army officer was at his side almost every day until shortly before his death. His closeness to both Philip and the Queen was emphasised by the fact that he was the only member of the household allowed to bring his pet dog into work.

When Sir Brian lost his wife he told Philip he might have to give up work as he needed to look after his black labrador, Robert.

Philip secured special permission from the Queen allowing him to bring the dog into the palace with him. a senior royal aide said: ‘He is the only person who has ever been allowed to bring their dog to work.’

His death was a shock to Philip. ‘The Duke was immensely fond of Sir Brian and was deeply upset about his death,’ one longserving courtier told the Mail.

‘Sadly, because they have lived so long, the Queen and the Duke have had to say goodbye to so many friends over the years.

‘It’s the price of living to such a ripe old age, but Sir Brian’s death was a blow.’