Prince Philip mourns loss of ‘closest friend’
Just days before his 95th birthday, Prince Philip has been left ‘devastated’ by the death of one of his closest friends and confidants. sir Brian McGrath, known as Philip’s ‘gatekeeper’, worked for the Duke of edinburgh for almost 15 years after joining his staff as an assistant private secretary in 1982, and quickly rose to become the head of his household.
When sir Brian decided to ‘retire’ in 1995, the Duke immediately appointed him as an ‘extra equerry’ and the distinguished former Army officer has been at his side almost every day since. He died on saturday, aged 91.
Last night, Buckingham Palace confirmed that ‘private condolences’ had been sent to sir Brian’s family. One courtier tells me: ‘the Duke is deeply upset about his death, as is the Queen. He was the Duke’s closest friend.’
educated at eton, sir Brian served in the irish Guards during World War ii.
Unusually for a courtier, he spent more than three decades in commerce, serving as chairman of Victoria Wine for 22 years, before joining the Royal Household.
His closeness to Philip and the Queen was emphasised by the fact that he was the only member of the household allowed to bring his beloved dog into work.
As far as the monarch is concerned, only one pack is allowed to rule the roost at Buckingham Palace — her beloved corgis.
But when Sir Brian lost his adored wife, Betty, he told Philip he might have to give up work as he needed to look after his black labrador, Robert.
Philip spoke to the Queen, who gave his friend special permission to bring the dog into the palace with him.
Often seen with the Queen at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Sir Brian was a frequent guest at Windsor Castle, Sandringham and Balmoral.