On the 10th of August 1981, Sir Alan Lascelles passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Sir Alan Lascelles served as the Private Secretary and sometimes de facto Protector of the late King George VI, and was an officer of the British Royal Household for more than 40 years. He was born on December 12th, 1896, and went on to serve in World War I in the Coldstream Guards. After the War, he filled various posts in the Royal Household, first as an Assistant Private Secretary to King George V, and then as Private Secretary to King Edward VIII. When King George VI succeeded the throne Lascelles became his Private Secretary and remained in this role until the King's death. Lascelles was knighted by George VI in 1941, and was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 1952. During his lifetime, Lascelles devoted much of his career to working on behalf of the Royal Family, sharing a strong bond with GeorgeVI which was based upon mutual respect and his willingness to offer honest and frank advice. In addition, Lascelles was a keen observer and critical of the behaviour of some of the leading figures during the Second World War. Sir Alan Lascelles was also noted for his work outside of royal circles, as a numerical cryptographer during the war, and a founding member of the Civil Aviation Authority advising and contributing to the post-war structure of British air transport. Alan Lascelles led a storied and accomplished life, and will be remembered as a valued advisor and confidant to the Royal Family.