The king’s close friend Captain Ian Farquhar has died. He was 78 years old.
Ian had been friends with both the King and Queen Camilla for a long time. He had also been the Queen Mother’s rider.
He was also a famous hunter and a great horseman who served in the Queen’s Own Hussars.
Another blow to the King, who already has to deal with his own cancer diagnosis. Lord (Jacob) Rothschild died last week at the age of 87.
In 2000, when Prince William was on his gap year, he dated Ian’s daughter Rose Farquhar. The two went on romantic picnics in the Gloucestershire countryside.
Ian had rented a farmhouse on the King’s Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire for many years.
Stephen Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s first husband, told the Daily Mail that Ian had been very sick.
Andy told them that Ian had died at Highgrove early Wednesday morning.
He said the man was “as wild as a hawk when he was young, but always a lot of fun.”
He said that Ian would go down in history as “one of the great Master of Hounds.”
For 34 years, Ian was Master of the Beaufort Hunt.
This is what the Beaufort Hunt wrote on Instagram to honor its former master.
The hunt said, “It breaks our hearts to send our love and condolences to the family and friends of our own Captain Ian Farquhar. He flew us so well for 34 years and died peacefully this week.”
“Many people in the hunting community loved and respected him as “Captain.” He was helpful, friendly, and always there to give great, forward-thinking advice to anyone who asked.
“He had a wicked sense of humor, and anyone who was lucky enough to be with him and hear about his very different and exciting life in the army and as a hunter will remember those times forever.”
Captain loved hounds, his family, and dogs. We know that up there, a whole pack of dogs will be waiting for him, excited to be with him again.
“A true countryman and a true gent – he will be hugely missed.”
In October 2025, renewed concerns surrounded King Charles III’s health after a report suggested that the Monarch was seriously unwell. Sources close to Buckingham Palace are assuming that Prince William will be the next person to take the Royal responsibilities as King Charles is receiving treatment for cancer. Even after recent speculation around his health, King Charles appeared in good spirits during his recent visit to Chatfield Healthcare Veterans Centre in London. There, he joked about his own arm, saying he had endless plates and screws. That was a confirmation for people that he is still active. Although there is no such medical statement issued by the Palace, the King’srecent public appearance suggests that he will continue his duties while undergoing treatment.
What Kind Of cancer Does King Charles Have?
According to the official reports from Buckingham Palace, King Charles was diagnosed in February 2024, but the specific type of cancer was never revealed. Officials only confirmed that it was not prostate Cancer, despite being discovered during prostate treatment. Royal correspondents and doctors have speculated that the king may be living with a manageable, but chronic form of cancer, whichmeans you can curate and control it, but there is no permanent solution to get rid of it. People inside the palace have described his treatment as going in a very positive direction. Those sources have also admitted that long-term management is likely. According to people, King Charles ‘ awareness about his health has helped to raise awareness about men’s health, particularly around early detection and regular checkups.