Sad loss for Prince Harry as the death of his godmother is announced

Prince Harry has suffered a sad loss after the death of his godmother, Lady Celia Vestey.

• Prince Harry's godmother Celia Vestey has passed away at the age of 71.
• Her death was announced in the Daily Telegraph.
• It follows the royal news (opens in new tab) that Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will break tradition with their Christmas plans. (opens in new tab)

Lady Celia's death was announced in a newspaper over the weekend, which confirmed that Harry's godmother had died "suddenly but peacefully". She was 71 years of age.

The full announcement read: 'Celia Elizabeth SRN BA. Died suddenly, but peacefully, on Saturday 28th November, aged 71 years. Adored wife of Sam. Much loved mother of William, Arthur and Mary and loving Granny of Ella, Frankie, Sam and Cosima. Private family funeral. Memorial service later. Family flowers only please, but donations gratefully received in Celia's memory to Ebony Horse Club.'

A source at The Telegraph has stated that the Duke of Sussex has been in touch with Celia's family and children to share his condolences.

Lady Celia Vestey was a close friend of the royal family, especially within the Queen's horse racing circle - as her husband, Samuel Vestey, 3rd Baron Vestey, was the Royal Household's Master of the Horse from 1999 to 2018.

Given her close connection to the Queen, Celia was also considered to be a good friend of Prince Charles, and was made Harry's godmother when he was born in 1984.

Amongst Harry's other godparents are his uncle, Prince Andrew, Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Diana's sister, Carolyn Bartholomew, Diana's close friend and former flatmate, artist Bryan Organ, and Gerald Ward, close friend of Prince Charles.

Lady Celia also attended both of the recent royal weddings - Prince Harry's to Meghan Markle in 2018 and Prince William's to the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.