Prince Harry's godmother dies at the age of 71
Prince Harry’s godmother Lady Celia Vestey, has died at the age of 71.
Lady Vestey’s death was announced in The Daily Telegraph on the morning of Tuesday 1 December.
The 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.”
The Duke of Sussex is understood to have been in touch with Lady Vestey’s children after the news.
Lady Vestey attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018.
She was married to Samuel Vestey, the 3rd Baron Vestey, and they had three children and three grandchildren.
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Their oldest son was a page of honour to the Queen for three years.
Lady Vestey was said to be a loyal friend to the Queen and a member of the inner circle. The Vesteys also attended William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
She suffered a stroke in 1995, and was said to have nearly died. According to the Daily Mail, Lord Vestey was told by doctors at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol at the time that she had a one in ten chance of surviving.
A blood clot the size of a golf ball was recovered from her brain. She said it was the support from her husband that helped her during that time.
Her family has asked that any donations in Celia's memory be made to Ebony Horse Club, which is based in Brixton, south London. The Duchess of Cornwall is the current president.
The Vesteys own the 6,000-acre Stowell Park Estate in Gloucestershire.
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