Eighth Duke of Wellington dies just six months before bicentenary of Waterloo
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Version 0 of 1. The eighth Duke of Wellington, whose ancestor won the battle of Waterloo, has died at the age of 99. Arthur Valerian Wellesley died peacefully on Wednesday at his home on the Stratfield Saye estate in Hampshire, surrounded by his family. His death comes just six months before the 200th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo in which the British army, under the command of the first Duke of Wellington, defeated Napoleon in what was then the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and is now Belgium. A spokesman for the duke said a private funeral for family and the estate would be held at Stratfield Saye church on Thursday, 8 January. The date of a memorial service to be held in London would be announced shortly, he said. Commemorations of the battle are being overseen by Waterloo 200. The organisation’s chairman, Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, said: “We are very sad that he will not make the 200th anniversary, particularly the service of remembrance [at St Paul’s Cathedral] on 18 June. “He was kept abreast of matters right up to about a month ago and he was certainly wanting to be present at the service.” Before his death, the duke spoke of the importance of marking the anniversary. In a message posted on the Waterloo 200 website, he said: “I am often asked whether we should not now, in these days of European unity, forget Waterloo and the battles of the past. “My reply is, history cannot be forgotten and we need to be reminded of the bravery of the thousands of men from many nations who fought and died in a few hours on June 18 1815 and why their gallantry and sacrifice ensured peace in Europe for 50 years.” |