Former royal editor James Whitaker dies, aged 71

Former royal editor James Whitaker has died, aged 71.

The Mirror's editor Richard Wallace has paid tribute to the popular journalist, who lost his battle with cancer this morning (February 15).



"James was a true Fleet Street legend who became famous around the world as a royal reporter," he said in a statement. "His colleagues often joked that at times he appeared grander than the royals themselves - which, of course, he loved.

"Despite the severity of his illness, he never complained or went in for self-pity, but insisted he had a life well lived. Our thoughts are with his loving family who - like us all - will miss him terribly."



A Buckingham Palace spokesman commented: "Those in the Royal household who knew James were extremely sad to learn of his death."

The Sun's royal photographer Arthur Edwards tweeted: "He was a great man and a brilliant reporter."

In 1994, he published his book Diana v. Charles, which looked at the relationship between Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.

In recent years, Whitaker served as a royal commentator for ITV's This Morning and competed in the 2004 series of Celebrity Fit Club.