King Charles’ close friend Captain Ian Farquhar dies at Highgrove estate aged 78

08 March 2024 , 06:08

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Captain Ian Farquhar, joint master of the Beaufort Hunt, was said to have died peacefully at his home (Image: PA)

King Charles's friend Captain Ian Farquhar has died at the age of 78.

Farquhar, an accomplished huntsman, reportedly died at the monarch's Highgrove Estate. Farquhar served as the Queen Mother's equerry and in the Queen's Own Hussars, a cavalry regiment of the British Army. Farquhar and Charles reportedly became close friends when William briefly dated Rose Farquhar in 2000 after he finished his A-levels at Eton.

Farquhar was Master of the Beaufort Hunt for 34 years. It is the West Country's oldest and largest fox hunt, who shared a tribute on Instagram reading: "It is with broken hearts we send our love and condolences to the family and friends of our own Captain Ian Farquhar, who so brilliantly piloted us for 34 years and passed away peacefully this week.

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Joint Master of the Beaufort Hunt Capt Ian Farquhar. (PA)

'"Captain" as he was known by many was loved and cherished by the entire hunting community, as someone who was supportive, kind and always there with excellent forward thinking advice for anyone who asked him.

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'He had a wicked sense of humour and anyone who was lucky enough to be in his company and listen to tales of his extremely varied and adventurous life both in the army and the hunting world will hold onto those memories forever.", reports the Mail Online.

It comes after King Charles was pictured back at work amid his cancer battle with Buckingham Palace releasing pictures of him greeting ambassadors today The 75-year-old monarch was snapped shaking hands with Algeria's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Nourredine Yazid, and the Ambassador of Mauritania, Samba Mamadou.

Farquhar was Master of the Beaufort Hunt for 34 years (PA)

Farquhar and Charles reportedly became close friends when William briefly dated Rose Farquhar in 2000 after he finished his A-levels at Eton (Getty Images)

The King appeared to share a joke with Mr Yazid as he fondly chuckled as they greeted each other. Charles was dressed in black smart attire and a light blue patterned tie, and was met with cheering crowds as he rode on the back of his Rolls-Royce outside.

Although the monarch is not carrying out public duties while he is in treatment, he is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on state papers. Other members of the Royal Family, including Queen Consort Camilla and Prince William, have stepped up to undertake extra royal duties.

The Ambassador of Mauritania, Samba Mamadou, presents his credentials to King Charles III during a private audience at Buckingham Palace (PA)

Last month, Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate. He has been continuing to recover at the weekends from the "less invasive" treatment at his country estates Sandringham and Highgrove, after his weekly visits to a London hospital.

Charles was treated in the same hospital as his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, 42, who is recovering from abdominal surgery.

Abigail O'Leary