A touching rendition of the theme tune filled a Church as King Charles and Queen Camilla paid their respects to their dear friend, former Arsenal chairman and banking mogul, Sir ‘Chips’ Keswick on 30 May. John Chippendale Lindley Keswick was at the side of Charles and Camilla for decades. His wife, Lady Sarah, is one of Camilla’s closest confidants, named ‘Queen’s Companion’ in 2022.
No doubt will have been supporting Lady Sarah, who seemed in good spirits as she commemorated her husband’s notable career. As a member of the Keswick trading empire, Chips’ family controlled the conglomerate Jardine Matheson. He would go on to become chairman of Hambros Bank, a role that would lead to Queen Elizabeth II knighting him in 1993.
The Eton-educated businessman was named a director of Arsenal football club in November 2005, and served as club Chairman from 2013 until stepping down in 2020. During his tenure, Chips oversaw four major FA Cup wins for the club, and some of its most legendary players gathered alongside the King and Queen to celebrate his life. Tony Adams, the former England Captain who spent 19 years as Arsenal’s centre-back, and David O’Leary, whose 722 appearances for the club is a Gunners record, were both in attendance.
Arsenal FC released a touching following Chips’ death in April 2024: ‘Sir Chips will be greatly missed by everyone at Arsenal who knew him and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Lady Sarah and their children David, Tob.
