8th Duke of Wellington dies before 200th Battle of Waterloo anniversary

The 8th Duke of Wellington, whose ancestor won the Battle of Waterloo, has died at the age of 99 - just six months before the 200th anniversary of the defeat of Napoleon.

Arthur Valerian Wellesley, who was also known as the Prince of Waterloo, died at home today, surrounded by his family, on the Stratfield Saye Estate in Hampshire.

The duke had written of the importance of marking the anniversary of the battle in which the British army, led by the 1st Duke of Wellington, defeated Napoleon in what was then the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and is now Belgium.

In a message posted on the website of Waterloo 200, the organisation which is running the battle commemorations, the retired brigadier said the history of past conflicts must be kept alive.

Works of art belonging to the duke will also go on show at the National Portrait Gallery in London in March to mark the anniversary, including Goya's portrait of the Dublin-born soldier and politician.

A spokesman for the duke said a private funeral for family and the estate will be held at Stratfield Saye Church on January 8.

The date of a memorial service to be held in London will be announced shortly, he said.