Prince Philip's former Private Secretary, Brigadier Sir Miles Hunt-Davis has passed away at the age of 79.
The royal aide, who worked alongside Prince Philip for 19 years, is said to have died last Wednesday, 23rd May, at his home - leaving behind his wife and three children.
The news is sure to be a heartbreaking blow for the Duke of Edinburgh, as the pair were widely thought to be close during their two-decades-long working relationship.
Sir Miles joined the royal household in 1991, as an Assistant Private Secretary. He was promoted just two years later, in 1993, and over the years, is thought to have become Prince Philip's most trusted aide.
In fact, he and his wife Gay were considered to be such close friends to the Queen and Philip, that they were permitted to live in Nottingham Cottage, on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
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The residence is usually reserved for the use of the royal family only. And in fact, it's now the home that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle share. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also called the two-bedroom cottage home for a while, before getting married.
Take a look inside Nottingham Cottage here.
Sir Miles was also considered to be such a close confidante, that he was one of only three 'civilians' to join the royal's Way Ahead Group. The group is a committee which plans the activities of the royals, and discusses ways to boost their public image.
It's likely that Prince Philip and Sir Miles also bonded over their shared military pasts. Between 1976 and 1979, he held the position of Commandant of the 7th Gurkhas in Seria, Brunei. In fact, as part of his military work, he even escorted the Queen and Prince Philip, whilst on a trip to Nepal in 1986.
And it was in 1991, when he left the army, that he was recruited by the palace to work on the Duke of Edinburgh's royal affairs.
In 2007, Sir Miles also spoke in defence of the Prince, during the inquest into the death of Princess Diana. Prince Philip had been accused by the Fayed's of plotting Diana's death - although they had no evidence.
Although Prince Philip's right-hand man only came to work for him as he approached his 70s, he joined the royal household at a busy time. At that time, the Duke was still carrying out over 600 engagements a year.
Sir Miles only retired from his post in 2010, at the age of 71.
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