Prince Philip's former equerry dies

May 27, 2010, 12:02 GMT

A former equerry to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh died yesterday (26.05.10).

Sir Christopher Moran - who worked as Prince Philip's personal attendant in the early 1990s - collapsed and died from heart failure during a charity Triathlon in Oxfordshire yesterday (26.05.10).

Sir Christopher, a 54-year-old father-of-three, was the current deputy chief of the Royal Air Force and had led a "distinguished" career.

Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of Air Staff, said: "During a distinguished career, he served in a wide number of appointments; a Harrier pilot by background, he commanded Royal Air Force Wittering and was the Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group.

"Sir Chris was also Equerry to The Duke of Edinburgh in the early 1990s. A highly respected and courageous leader, this tragic loss comes as a huge blow to the Royal Air Force and, indeed, defence at large.

"Most importantly, our prayers and thoughts are with his family, to whom I offer my most sincere condolences on behalf of the Royal Air Force, serving and retired."

Sir Christopher, who was president of RAF Triathlon and described as "fighting fit" by those who knew him had been Commander-in-Chief of Air Command for the past 14 months.

He was also next in line to take over as the head of the RAF.