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Prince Harry's godmother dies at the age of 71

Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex watches children play rugby league prior to the draw for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 at Buckingham Palace in London on January 16, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at Buckingham Palace in January 2020. (Adrian Dennis/AFP)

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.

CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 13: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Queen Elizabeth II and Lady Celia Vestey attend day 4 'Gold Cup Day' of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 13, 2009 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II and Lady Celia Vestey at the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in March 2009. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 19: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Lady Celia Vestey attends the wedding of Prince Harry to Ms Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales marries Ms. Meghan Markle in a service at St George's Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle. Among the guests were 2200 members of the public, the royal family and Ms. Markle's Mother Doria Ragland. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Lady Celia Vestey at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in 2018. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

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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