Former Royal Aide to King Charles and Princess Diana, Sir Christopher Airy, Dies Aged 91

Major General Sir Christopher Airy, a former private secretary to King Charles and Princess Diana, has passed away at the age of 91.

A Royal Military Career

Sir Christopher Airy had a long and respected military career. He served in the Grenadier Guards and was a key figure in the Household Division, where he became well-known to the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family.
In fact, he had lined the streets during Her Majesty’s coronation in 1953.

His military service also included commanding The Queen’s Company in Northern Ireland, playing a key role during the Falklands War, and serving with UK Land Forces.
He retired from the army in 1989 after becoming Commander of the Household Division.

Royal Appointment That Didn’t Last

Sir Christopher was appointed in 1990 as private secretary to the then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
He was brought in during a difficult time in their marriage, but his appointment only lasted less than a year.

Royal expert Valentine Low, in his book Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, called Sir Christopher one of Charles’ worst appointments, describing him as a bad fit who was “on a different planet” when it came to the royal household’s evolving modern needs.

He struggled to manage the growing separation between Charles and Diana’s personal teams, and insiders said he wasn’t well-prepared for the internal politics or the Prince’s many charitable projects.

A Difficult Role

Former Diana aide Patrick Jephson described an incident in which Sir Christopher insisted that Prince Charles must attend a state event because it was “his duty.” Charles reportedly responded sarcastically, saying, “Oh, is it?”

Sir Christopher’s departure was announced in May 1991. Despite his brief time at the palace, he was honorably received by the Queen upon leaving.

Life After the Palace

After retiring from royal service, Sir Christopher and his wife settled on a farmhouse in Somerset. He remained active in charitable causes, including serving as chairman of the Not Forgotten Association.

His death on April 8, 2025, was confirmed recently.