NICHOLAS TURNBULL (SHALLOW 1976 – 81)

Nicholas Piers Turnbull - 1962 – 2026

The club was saddened to receive the news of the passing of OH Nicholas Turnbull, who died aged 63. Nicholas was Private Secretary to the Duke of Kent. 

Nicholas was born in Cambridge on 23 September 1962, the younger son of John Turnbull and his wife Mary, née Heath. A love of music was instilled in him from an early age. Having first been at school near Cambridge, he was chosen as a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral, where he took part in the Edington Music Festival in 1974 and rose to become a vestry monitor and Bishop's chorister.

In September 1976 Nicholas arrived at Allhallows as a member of Shallow House, having won a musical scholarship to the school, on which he played the cello. His musical gifts were recognised throughout his school career: he was awarded the Jarchow Prize for Music in 1978 and the B. S. Richards Prize for Music in 1979. His talents and interests ranged well beyond the music schools, however.

He joined the Dramatic Society, took part in the Junior Ten Tors in 1978, ran for the Cross-Country 1st VIII, for which he earned his Colours in 1981, and was appointed House Prefect in September 1980, a role that reflected the respect he earned from both peers and staff. He left the school at Valete in July 1981.

Nicholas went on to a life of quiet and distinguished service as Private Secretary to the Duke of Kent. He was devoted to the Duke and greatly respected by the Duchess and by the Duke's family, who relied on his quiet confidence and sensitivity in the role. Likewise, he was esteemed by his colleagues in the Royal Household for his wise counsel, empathy and warm personality.

The Old Honitonians Club sends its sincere condolences to Nicholas' family and friends. He will be remembered by those who knew him at Allhallows as a musician of genuine talent and a kind Prefect. By those who knew him later in life as a man of kindness, loyalty and unfailing good humour.

He remains fondly remembered within the OH community.