King Charles’ former private secretary has died at the age of 91. Major General Sir Christopher Airy, the former private secretary to King Charles and to the late Princess Diana, died on April 7 this year, leaving behind two daughters and a son, with his wife dying just three months before him.
Airy had a distinguished Army career and became Private Secretary and Treasurer to King Charles, 76, when he was the Prince of Wales in 1990. Airy took on the role for Charles and Diana after 35 years of service in the military, which saw him spend time in command of the Household Division – a role that meant he knew the late Queen Elizabeth II and Charles well.
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.
The late Queen received him on his departure.
Before taking on this role for Charles and Diana, Airy – who attended Marlborough College as a boy – joined Sandhurst when he was just 18.
Two years after joining, he was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards. He was then posted to the 3rd Battalion in Chelsea Barracks before being moved to Windsor for public duties.
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.
In 1983, he was promoted to major general and posted to the Royal College of Defence Studies, where he was later appointed Major General Commanding the Household Division.
Airy retired after 35 years of service and took on the role of the then Prince Charles’ private secretary.
In 1984, he was appointed CBE in 1984 before being honoured Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1989.
