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King Charles Mourns Close Friend, Designer Alec Cobbe
8 Apr
Summary
- Alec Cobbe, a close friend of King Charles, has died at age 81.
- Cobbe hand-sketched invitations for Prince William's 21st birthday.
- He was the custodian of Hatchlands Park and curated its piano collection.
King Charles is mourning the passing of his close friend, the Anglo-Irish designer Alec Cobbe, who died at the age of 81. Cobbe, who was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by the King in February, was recognized for his personal service to the royal family. He had a long-standing relationship with the King, contributing artworks for various royal events and even hand-sketched invitations for Prince William's 21st birthday celebration in 2003.
Born in Dublin in 1945, Cobbe initially studied medicine before pursuing his passion for art. He trained in art restoration and later opened his own studio. Cobbe was widely known as the custodian of Hatchlands Park, a National Trust property, where he curated the remarkable Cobbe Collection of 55 pianos. Following his death, Hatchlands Park announced a temporary closure in his honor.
The news of Cobbe's passing comes during a significant week for the King, as he and Queen Camilla are set to celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary on Thursday. The couple's wedding in 2005 was a civil ceremony, as both had been previously married. This royal event follows the King and Queen's attendance at the Easter Matins service.
