Prince Philip mourned the loss of his cherished ‘gatekeeper’, Sir Brian McGrath

Prince Philip was deeply affected when his best friend and confidante died, who was at the Duke’s side almost every day.

Prince Philip was deeply emotionally affected when, just days before his 95th birthday in 2016, his best friend and confidante died.

Sir Brian McGrath, known as Philip’s “gatekeeper”, was 91 when he died on June 4.

He had worked alongside Philip as his “extra equerry” virtually every single day, right up to his death.

The former army officer joined the Prince as his private personal secretary in 1982.

Sir Brian McGrath

He had moved to retire in 1992 but the Prince was having none of it and simply created a new post and office for him in Buckingham Palace that ensured he could see him every day.

Sir Brian was the only member of the royal household who was allowed to bring his dog to Buckingham Palace.

He was integral to the Duke’s working and social life, and was in high regard and with deep affection by both Philip and the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, pictured in 2018.

When he died many noted the effect it had on the Duke who was visibly devastated by the loss.

Some in the royal court feared it could have an effect on his own health and whether a piece of him would die.

But days later the notion was dismissed, as he attended numerous public functions with the Queen to publicly recognise her 90th birthday.

It was business as usual which is a hallmark of the Royal Family.