The king’s close friend, Captain Ian Farquhar, has sadly passed away at the age of 78.

Ian had long been a cherished friend of both King Charles and Queen Camilla. He also served as the Queen Mother’s rider, adding to his distinguished reputation.

A well-known hunter and an outstanding horseman, Ian proudly served in the Queen’s Own Hussars.

This loss comes as another heavy blow to the King, who is already dealing with his own cancer diagnosis. Just last week, Lord Jacob Rothschild passed away at the age of 87.

Back in 2000, during Prince William’s gap year, he dated Ian’s daughter, Rose Farquhar. The young couple enjoyed romantic picnics in the scenic Gloucestershire countryside.

For many years, Ian rented a farmhouse on the King’s Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.

Stephen Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s first husband, mentioned to the Daily Mail that Ian had been seriously ill.

Andy shared that Ian passed away early Wednesday morning at Highgrove.

He fondly remembered Ian, saying he was “as wild as a hawk when he was young, but always a lot of fun.”

Andy also noted that Ian would be remembered as “one of the great Master of Hounds.”

For 34 years, Ian held the prestigious position of Master of the Beaufort Hunt.

The Beaufort Hunt paid tribute to their former master on Instagram.

They wrote, “It breaks our hearts to send our love and condolences to the family and friends of our own Captain Ian Farquhar. He led us with excellence for 34 years and passed peacefully this week.”

“Many in the hunting community adored and respected him as ‘Captain.’ He was always helpful, friendly, and ready with great, forward-thinking advice for anyone who sought it.

“Ian had a sharp sense of humor, and anyone who had the good fortune to spend time with him and hear about his extraordinary and adventurous life in the army and as a hunter will treasure those memories forever.”