Simon Isaacs, Marquess of Reading and lifelong friend of King Charles, dies aged 84

Simon Rufus Isaacs, the fourth Marquess of Reading, has died at the age of 84. Express reported the death on 28 October 2026.

He was a lifelong friend of King Charles. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, according to Hello! magazine. The King was on a nine-day royal tour of the Caribbean when the death was reported.

A marquess is a hereditary title in the British peerage, the system of noble ranks that sits alongside the Crown. The title passes down within a family, usually from parent to eldest son. Simon Isaacs's son, Julian Rufus Isaacs, is now the new Marquess of Reading, according to Hello! magazine. Julian was a childhood friend of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.

Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs is the co-founder of Beulah London, a luxury fashion label. Her father's death was reported as a family loss, and the Daily Mail carried her tribute to him under the headline that described her as a fashion designer.

For readers who are new to the peerage, the key point is simple. When a peer dies, the title does not end. It moves to the next person in line, which here is Julian. The family name, the title and the seat that goes with it are handled through a set legal process, and that process is separate from the royal household.

King Charles has not been named in any reported statement about the death so far. The Marquess of Reading's family and friends have not yet announced funeral arrangements.

Simon Isaacs is the latest of the King's long-standing friends to be reported as having died. His death comes during a royal tour, and the news reached the public while the King was overseas.