Brian Hoey, a respected British broadcaster and royal author who spent decades documenting the lives of the royal family, has died at the age of 92.
Hoey passed away on September 4, 2026, leaving behind a distinguished career in journalism and royal commentary. He became a familiar voice on royal affairs, covering major occasions and offering readers insights into the traditions and private lives of Britain’s monarchy.
Born in Cardiff in 1934, Hoey began his broadcasting career with BBC Wales. He gained national recognition after becoming the first reporter to arrive at the scene of the 1966 Aberfan disaster in Wales, where a coal waste tip collapsed onto a village, killing 144 people, including 116 children.
A Career Spanning Royal History
Throughout his career, Hoey reported on significant royal occasions, including the investiture of the Prince of Wales, royal weddings and Princess Diana’s funeral. His work combined detailed reporting with an understanding of the monarchy’s public image and personal traditions.
He authored 36 books about the royal family, including an authorised biography of Princess Anne. His publications explored royal personalities, customs, relationships and the household’s everyday life, making him a recognised figure among readers interested in Britain’s monarchy.
Some of his books also attracted attention for revealing unusual details about royal habits and preferences. Nevertheless, his reputation rested on decades of reporting and writing about one of Britain’s most closely followed institutions.
Remembering His Legacy Beyond Royal Coverage
Despite his extensive royal coverage, the Aberfan disaster remained one of the defining experiences of Hoey’s career. He continued to remember the victims long after the tragedy, returning to the village with his wife to lay flowers at the graves of children who died.
Hoey is survived by his wife, Diana, and their three children, Laurence, Rebecca and Jessica. His career left a lasting mark on British broadcasting and royal writing, while his reporting on Aberfan remained a deeply personal part of his legacy.
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