Queen Camilla and her former husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, were observed on Thursday attending the funeral of Captain Ian Farquhar, a close friend of King Charles.
Captain Ian had a longstanding relationship with the monarch and served as an equerry to Charles’s grandmother, the late Queen Mother.
The 78-year-old military figure passed away on March 6 at the age of 78, with the coroner determining that his death was due to postural asphyxia, a condition that can occur when a person’s position restricts their ability to breathe adequately.
While King Charles was not present at the funeral, Queen Camilla attended the service, looking elegant in a navy-blue dress as she arrived and exited her car. The 76-year-old was accompanied by a matching handbag.
Also, in attendance was Camilla’s ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, who wore a black suit and light blue shirt for the occasion. The former military officer was seen walking with a cane as he arrived with other guests.
In a tribute following Ian’s passing, Andrew shared with the Mail that Ian was “wild as a hawk in his youth, but always great fun.” He added that Ian would be remembered in history as one of the great Masters of Hounds.
The funeral service for Captain Ian, who was also an accomplished hunter, took place at St Michael and All Angels’ Church on the Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire.
Ian also had a connection to the royal family through his daughter, Rose, who dated Prince William in 2000 before William met and married Princess Kate. William and Rose remain friends, and Prince Charles attended her wedding to George Gemmell in 2022.
Charles has been reducing his public engagements following his cancer diagnosis. Nevertheless, he has been seen recently on royal duties, including a visit to a cancer recovery clinic.
