Marquess of Reading, King Charles's lifelong friend, dies at 84 Simon Rufus Isaacs, the fourth Marquess of Reading and a lifelong friend of King Charles, has died at 84. His daughter Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs paid tribute on Instagram. Simon Rufus Isaacs, the fourth Marquess of Reading and a lifelong friend of King Charles, has died at the age of 84. His daughter, Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, announced the death on Instagram on Wednesday. She did not disclose the cause of death. Natasha, 43, shared family photographs, including a childhood picture of her smiling as her father held her in his arms. In an emotional tribute, she called him an incredible father and grandfather. She wrote: Daddy, Uppa, how incredibly blessed we were to have had such an incredible father and grandfather for so many years.Every photo I can find is of you with my girls, hugging them, playing with them. You loved them with all your heart, and you showed them unconditional love. How blessed were we. She added: You fought the good fight right up until the end, your bravery was immense and I am so proud of you.Your legacy will live on in us all. Natasha said she and her mother, Melinda, took comfort in the thought of reunion. As mummy and I prayed as you went into heaven, we told you you were only getting on an earlier train and we will see you again. Syb's had a picture at the train station of you jumping on a train, in your former self, waving and smiling.Until we meet again, daddy. She ended with a Bible passage from 2 Timothy 4: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. The Marquess was a prominent figure in royal social circles. An Old Etonian and former banker, he was a lifelong friend of Charles, having grown up together as children.New Marquess Inherits Family TitleHis son Julian Rufus Isaacs, 40, inherits the family title and becomes the fifth Marquess of Reading. Julian, previously Viscount Erleigh, was a close childhood friend of Prince Harry. Julian was part of Harry's Gloucestershire social circle, nicknamed the Glosse Posse, which included the prince's former girlfriend Chelsy Davy. Natasha was also close to William and Harry.She was reportedly among the friends William turned to for support after his temporary split from Kate Middleton in 2007. In 2013, Natasha married Rupert Finch, a solicitor who had previously dated Kate when they were students at the University of St Andrews, before her romance with William began. William and Kate attended the couple's wedding in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Natasha and Rupert had been guests at the royal wedding two years earlier.Natasha and Rupert have three daughters, Georgia, Cienna and India. Natasha said her father was a devoted grandfather to them. She founded Beulah London with her friend Lavinia Brennan in 2010. The socially conscious fashion label works with organisations supporting vulnerable women.Natasha Marries Rupert FinchKate has repeatedly championed the British brand, wearing its elegant dresses for royal engagements. Princess Beatrice and other high society figures are also among Natasha's friends. Simon married Melinda Dewar in 1979. The couple had three children: Lady Sybilla Rufus Isaacs, Natasha and Julian.He served as an officer in the 1st Queen's Dragoon Guards before a career in finance and business, including a spell as a member of the London Stock Exchange. He inherited the marquessate from his father, Michael, the third Marquess of Reading, in 1980. He was also involved in numerous charitable causes throughout his life. His charitable interests ranged from the Blue Heart Campaign to state visits, often alongside members of the royal family.The Marquess attended the Blue Heart Campaign Launch in 2011 with Prince Michael of Kent. In 2022, he and the Marchioness attended the Royal Versailles Ball. His family boasts one of the most extraordinary histories in the British aristocracy. The title was created by King George V in 1926 for Simon's great-grandfather, Rufus Isaacs.First Marquess Rose From Humble BeginningsHe rose from comparatively humble beginnings to become Lord Chief Justice, Viceroy of India and Foreign Secretary. The first Marquess was the only Jewish person ever elevated to the rank of marquess in the British peerage. The death of Simon Rufus Isaacs is a reminder of the enduring bonds among the British aristocracy, the royal family and philanthropic endeavours. It showcases personal relationships that operated in the background of public duties, quietly influencing the nation's soft power and cultural diplomacy.Through his daughter's tribute, the world will remember a gentleman who embodied the best of British tradition and mutual respect, leaving a lasting legacy of love, bravery and service.