Royal Family Suffers More Tragic News After Report Charles Is in ‘Agony’ Over a ‘Distressing’ Health Update

Turnbull died on Sept. 16, 2026, at age 63. According to RadarOnline, he is survived by his two children: Alexander, 17, and Crispin, 14.

He joined Edward’s, 91, team in 2019, with the outlet reporting that Turnbull often attended official engagements with the prince and provided “personal and administrative support during his later years.” The pair were last photographed together at Wimbledon in July 2026. Related Stories Camilla Calls Out Charles’ ‘Off-Putting’ Behavior After Report Their Marriage Is Becoming ‘Very Toxic’—She’s ‘Raging Mad’ at the King Charles & Camilla Urged Not to Accept Harry & Meghan’s Apology After Their Claim About a Royal’s Comment About ‘Archie’s Skin Color’—It’s the Sussexes’ ‘Biggest Mistake’

Just two days before his passing, King Charles honored Turnbull’s work by appointing him Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.

A palace source spoke with RadarOnline and suggested that Turnbull’s passing has deeply affected the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin.

“Edward has endured an extraordinarily painful period, and the death of Nicholas has plunged him into mourning and is another devastating blow at a time when he is still adjusting to life without Katharine,” they said, referencing the death of Edward’s wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, in September 2025. She was 92.

The insider noted that Katharine’s death still weighs heavily on Edward, as they were married for more than 60 years. “Losing a wife after more than six decades of marriage is an enormous emotional upheaval, particularly when somebody has shared almost their entire adult life with that person.”

Related: Charles Reportedly in ‘Agony’ After Devastating Health Update as Sources Reveal the 1 Thing Causing Him to Be ‘Especially Distressed’

“Nicholas was also an important presence in Edward’s daily routine, somebody who understood his responsibilities and helped him navigate the demands of royal life,” the source continued. “To lose two people who occupied such significant places in his world within little more than a year is desperately sad. At 91, these bereavements are getting especially difficult for him to navigate.”

Edward’s heartbreaking losses come amid reports that Charles is worried about his longtime friend, English explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who’s kept a low profile since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019.

“The King cares enormously about Ran and was genuinely troubled and in a bit of agony when he heard what was happening,” a source previously told RadarOnline. “This isn’t somebody he knows casually – there is a friendship stretching back decades. It’s especially distressing with Charles fighting cancer. He has developed the feeling that he wants no one in pain.”

Charles wanted to “reach out privately, express his concern and ask whether there was anything he could do,” but failing to contact Fiennes “has been incredibly upsetting” for him.

“For somebody of the King’s position to make a personal effort like that and then find the door effectively closed was difficult,” the insider explained. “His concern has always been for his friend’s welfare.”

In 2025, fellow explorer Anton Bowring corresponded with Buckingham Palace and revealed that Fiennes was “in a very poor state.” Charles stated that he wanted to write to Fiennes and his family, hoping they would accept his help. However, Fiennes’ wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, wasn’t comfortable sharing her contact information.