King Charles III is grieving the death of Captain Ian Farquhar, a close friend and respected figure in Britain’s equestrian and hunting communities. Farquhar passed away peacefully at age 78.

A decorated cavalry officer and master horseman, Farquhar served in the Queen’s Own Hussars and later became Master of the Beaufort Hunt, leading it for 34 years. His deep ties to the royal family, including friendships with both King Charles and Queen Camilla, made his passing especially personal for the monarch.

Known for his charm, leadership, and love of country traditions, Farquhar was also admired for his enduring dedication to ethical hunting. He even rode for the Queen Mother and mentored many within Britain’s rural sporting circles.

His daughter, Rose Farquhar, once briefly dated Prince William, a reminder of the family’s deep-rooted connection to the royals.

As tributes poured in from friends and fellow country sportsmen, Stephen Parker Bowles remembered him fondly as “a man as wild as a hawk in his youth” and a true master of hounds.

Farquhar’s passing, along with the recent death of Lord Jacob Rothschild, marks a season of loss and reflection for the King. For Charles, it’s not just the loss of a friend—but of a cherished part of his past.

Captain Ian Farquhar leaves behind a lasting legacy in British country life, one defined by tradition, integrity, and enduring friendship.