Rod Stewart mourns his brother and the Queen: "It has been a devastating 48 hours"

12 September 2022, 13:16 | Updated: 13 September 2022, 09:29

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96, Buckingham Palace confirms

By Mayer Nissim

Rod Stewart's older brother died just days before Queen Elizabeth II's passing.

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Rod Stewart has revealed that his brother Don passed away last week, just days before the death of the Queen.

The singer posted on Twitter and Instagram about his personal loss and the loss to the nation.

"It has been a devastating 48 hours," said Sir Rod.

"We lost my brother Don on Tuesday at 94 and today we have all lost Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at 96."

He added: "The Queen has been an unwavering presence throughout my life and a great unifier. A shining star that will never fade in our hearts and souls.

"What a privilege it was to perform for her. My deepest sympathies to the Royal Family. God save the King."

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Stewart was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2007 New Year's Honours list for his services to music, and he was then knighted in the 2016 Birthday Honours for his services to music and charity.

Sir Rod performed 'Handbags & Gladrags' at the Party at the Palace to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.

While he didn't appear at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations ten years later, he returned for the Platinum Party at the Palace in June this year to play 'Baby Jane' and 'Sweet Caroline'.

Sir Rod was the youngest of five children of Robert Stewart and Elsie Gilbart.

His four older siblings were all raised in Scotland before the family moved to Highgate in London where Rod was born.

Rod Stewart with his brother Don, Don's wife Pat and sister Mary. Picture: Getty Images

Rod's other siblings are a brother, Robert, and sisters Peggy and Mary.

Speaking at his sister Mary's 90th birthday party in 2019, Rod paid tribute to Mary and Don, saying: "I've got to tell you, these guys were instrumental in supporting me, helping me get into music and just being there for me.

"Whether it was football or washing my dirty underpants, I can't speak highly enough about these guys.

"These guys have just been effing brilliant throughout my life."We've had our arguments haven't we Don? The odd punch-up now and again but I love you, and I love you, Mary."