The courtier who navigated the monarchy through its most turbulent modern decade

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Robert Fellowes served as private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II during the 1990s, a period defined by intense public scrutiny and personal tragedy. From managing the fallout of the Queen's annus horribilis to navigating his own family's connection to Diana, Princess of Wales, Fellowes remained a central, discreet power broker.

Born in 1941 in Sandringham, Robert Fellowes was deeply embedded in the British establishment. Educated at Eton and trained in the Scots Guards, he transitioned into finance before joining the royal household in 1977. His rise through the Private Secretary's Office was steady, culminating in his appointment as the Queen's principal private secretary in 1990. This role placed him at the heart of the monarchy during a decade of profound upheaval, including the 1992 annus horribilis and the 1997 death of Diana, his sister-in-law.

Fellowes's influence extended beyond administrative duties. In the mid-1990s, he initiated a notable artistic collaboration by approaching Lucian Freud to paint the Queen. This interaction blossomed into a friendship, leading Freud to paint a portrait of Fellowes himself in 1999. The two men frequently dined at the exclusive White's club in St James's, bridging the gap between the royal court and the world of high art.

After leaving his royal post in 1999, Fellowes was created a life peer, becoming Baron Fellowes of Shotesham. He served as a crossbench peer in the House of Lords until 2022 and held the role of secretary and registrar for the Order of Merit for nearly two decades. Despite his high-profile connections and his portrayal in popular media like The Crown, Fellowes maintained the traditional discretion expected of a courtier until his death in 2024 at age 82.

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