Royals mourn the Duke of Devonshire

Published on 05/05/2004 01:00

THE Duke of Devonshire has died at his Derbyshire home, Chatsworth House, at the age of 84. A distant cousin of the Queen, the duke died on Monday night with the duchess at his side.

In accordance with the duke’s wishes, Chatsworth House remained open to the public.

One of the richest people in the UK, the 11th Duke of Devonshire recently reflected that he had been, "much too lucky" in life. He served in the Coldstream Guards during the Second World War, and was awarded the Military Cross. He was a minister in the Conservative government of 1960-64, led by his uncle, Harold Macmillan, as well as president of Chester-field FC for almost 50 years.

The duke, Andrew Cavendish, married the Hon Deborah Mitford in 1941, and the couple had three children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The Queen and the Prince of Wales were both friends of the duke and yesterday expressed their sadness.