The Duke Is Dead

The Duke had been ill for some time and died at his home, Bacres House, at Hambledon, Oxfordshire.

Lord Arundel, the Duke's eldest son, Edward, travelled from the castle to join his family. He succeeds his father to the title.

The Queen is reported to have sent a personal message of sympathy to the Duke's family and the royal family is expected to be represented at the funeral next week.

Staff at the castle, many of whom have worked at the Norfolk family's historic seat for decades, were said to be "very sad and very upset" by the death of Duke Miles.

But comptroller Robert Bruce said the castle would remain open to visitors, apart from the day of the funeral, Friday next week.

The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, will lead the private service in Arundel Cathedral at noon.

There will also be a Mass for the Duke on Thursday evening at the cathedral, which will give the people of Arundel the opportunity to pay their respects.

Duke Miles succeeded his second cousin, once removed, the 16th Duke, Bernard, in 1975. He chose not to live at Arundel, but his son, Lord Arundel, wife Lady Georgina and their five children have made the castle their home.

The Duke also had a second son, Gerald, and three daughters. Despite living away, the Duke took a lively interest in the community, playing a prominent role in the beginnings of the Arundel Festival 25 years ago and, more recently, giving his support to campaigners fighting for the future of Littlehampton Hospital.

Arundel MP Howard Flight described the Duke as "a delightful person and a really good citizen".

Roger Green