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Rolf Harris' two causes of death confirmed as date disgraced star died released

23 May 2023 , 13:15
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Rolf Harris
Rolf Harris' two causes of death confirmed as date disgraced star died released

Rolf Harris died of neck cancer and "frailty of old age" at his home in Bray, Berkshire, on May 10, according to his death certificate.

The disgraced TV presenter's death was confirmed by a registrar at Maidenhead Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon.

Harris “died peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest”, his family said in a statement.

His death was registered by former PA Lisa Ratcliff on Tuesday, the same day the news of his passing was made public.

Harris is due to be cremated, with his family announcing his funeral has already taken place.

Rolf Harris now - 'gravely sick and under 24-hour care' amid fresh abuse claims qhiddtideriqktprwRolf Harris now - 'gravely sick and under 24-hour care' amid fresh abuse claims

The Australian-born TV presenter was a family favourite for decades before being convicted of a string of indecent assaults in June 2014.

A statement from his family, released through his solicitor, said: “This is to confirm that Rolf Harris recently died peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest.

Rolf Harris' two causes of death confirmed as date disgraced star died releasedRolf Harris was 93 when he died earlier this month (PA)
Rolf Harris' two causes of death confirmed as date disgraced star died releasedThe disgraced star's former PA registered his death

“They ask that you respect their privacy. No further comment will be made.”

Although Harris' death was only confirmed to the public on Tuesday [May 23], three neighbours on the estate where the former TV star lived in Bray, Berks, told the Mirror he had died earlier this month. A fourth said he had seen a sudden influx of carers into Harris' mansion.

A residents’ WhatsApp group for members of the estate’s Fisheries Residents’ Association, seen by the Mirror, wished Rolf “RIP” in messages.

One neighbour told the Mirror: “People around here were very conscious of what happened last time (when the Mirror revealed Rolf had walked into a local schoolyard) so they wanted it to remain quiet until all the members of his family and close friends learned about it.”

Rolf Harris' two causes of death confirmed as date disgraced star died releasedHarris painted the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 (PA)
Rolf Harris' two causes of death confirmed as date disgraced star died releasedHe served time in prison for sex charges in 2014 (PA)

Once a much-loved artist and musician, Harris was jailed for five years and nine months after being convicted of 12 assaults which took place between 1968 and 1986.

Sentencing Harris, Mr Justice Sweeney told him: “Your reputation lies in ruins. You have been stripped of your honours and you have no-one to blame but yourself.”

In May 2017, he was formally cleared of four unconnected historical sex offences, which he had denied.

Later the same year, one of the 12 indecent assault convictions was overturned by the Court of Appeal.

Suspected murderers and rapists could have their names withheld from publicSuspected murderers and rapists could have their names withheld from public

In light of his conviction, Harris had his 2012 Bafta fellowship removed and was stripped of his CBE. He also had Australian honours taken away.

Rolf Harris' two causes of death confirmed as date disgraced star died releasedA funeral has already taken place for Harris following his death earlier this month (Getty Images)

He was made an MBE in the 1960s, an OBE a decade later and a CBE in 2006 – the year after he painted the late Queen’s 80th birthday portrait.

It was unveiled at Buckingham Palace on December 19 2005.

The portrait was exhibited at Buckingham Palace and Holyroodhouse, and was taken on a tour of public galleries throughout the UK.

After his conviction, it disappeared.

The decision to revoke his CBE, which can be recommended by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat to the Forfeiture Committee, must be approved by the sovereign.

Matthew Young

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