The former palace aide worked for King Charles while he was married to Princess Diana.
The former private secretary to King Charles passed away at the age of ninety-one. The late Princess Diana’s and King Charles’s longtime private secretary, Major General Sir Christopher Airy, passed away on April 7 of this year, leaving behind a son and two daughters. His wife passed away three months prior.
After a stellar Army career, Airy served as the Prince of Wales in 1990, serving as King Charles’s private secretary and treasurer at the age of 76. After 35 years in the military, including time spent as the Household Division’s commander, where he had a close relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II and Charles, Airy assumed the post for Charles and Diana.
Although it is believed Airy got on well with Diana, his role as private secretary to the royal couple lasted less than 12 months.
Airy reportedly chose to resign from the role, and The Times reported that he struggled to differentiate between the various organisations Charles was working with.
After attending Marlborough College as a youngster, Airy joined Sandhurst at the age of 18 before accepting this position for Charles and Diana.
He was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards two years after enlisting. After that, he was assigned to Chelsea Barracks’ 3rd Battalion before being sent to Windsor for official responsibilities.
In 1970, Airy commanded the Queen’s Company of the 1st Battalion before later becoming Assistant Chief of Staff of UK Land Forces in 1982.
He was sent to the Royal College of Defence Studies after being promoted to major general in 1983. He was subsequently named Major General Commanding the Household Division.
After 35 years of service, Airy retired and became the private secretary to Prince Charles at the time.
Prior to being honored as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1989, he was named CBE in 1984.
