THE Duke of Wellington, whose ancestor won the Battle of Waterloo, has died at the age of 99 at his family estate in Stratfield Saye.
Arthur Valerian Wellesley, the 8th Duke of Wellington, who was also known as the Prince of Waterloo, died peacefully at his home early this morning, 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 1st Duke of Wellington, defeated Napoleon in what is now Belgium.
The 1st Duke bought the estate in 1817 following the battle, and lived there between 1818 and 1852.
A commemorative statue stands at the entrance to the Stratfield Saye estate, off the A33, and a monument to the Duke’s horse Copenhagen is situated by his grave.
A spokesman for the duke said a private funeral for family and the estate will be held at Stratfield Saye Church on Thursday, January 8.
The date of a memorial service to be held in London will be announced shortly, he said.
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