The Tragic End Of A Royal Connection: Everything To Know About Lord Charles O'Hagan, Queen Elizabeth II's Godson Who Died At 79

The British Royal Family and political circles were recently saddened by the passing of Lord Charles O'Hagan, a beloved godson of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The former Conservative peer and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) died at the age of 79, with his death confirmed to have occurred on March 23, 2025, following a severe head injury. This unexpected loss brings renewed attention to the close, yet often private, relationships Queen Elizabeth II maintained with her numerous godchildren throughout her long life, extending the royal family’s heartbreak into the post-Elizabethan era. This article provides an in-depth look at the life of Charles Towneley Strachey O'Hagan, the 4th Baron O'Hagan, detailing his distinguished political career, his aristocratic lineage, and the specific circumstances of his tragic death, ensuring the information is as current as of December 2025.

Lord Charles O'Hagan: A Full Biography and Royal Lineage

Lord Charles O'Hagan was a figure who seamlessly blended the world of British aristocracy with a dedicated career in European politics. His life was marked by service and a lifelong, personal connection to the reigning monarch.

Full Profile and Biography

• Full Name: Charles Towneley Strachey O'Hagan
• Title: 4th Baron O'Hagan, of Tullahogue in the County of Tyrone (in the Peerage of the United Kingdom)
• Born: 4th September 1945
• Died: 23 March 2025 (Age 79)
• Cause of Death: Subdural Hematoma (following a severe head injury/fall)
• Place of Death: North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple, England
• Education: Eton College, where he was a contemporary of others in high society.
• Parents: The 3rd Baron O'Hagan, and his mother, Grania Strachey.
• Royal Connection: Godson of Queen Elizabeth II (then Princess Elizabeth) from birth. He also served as a Page of Honour to Her Majesty in 1959.
• Political Career: Conservative peer in the House of Lords; Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Devon (1973–1975 and 1979–1984).

The O'Hagan Peerage and Political Service

The title Baron O'Hagan is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, first created in 1870 for the Irish lawyer and judge, Thomas O'Hagan, who served as Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Lord Charles O'Hagan was the great-grandson of the 1st Baron O'Hagan. His grandfather was Maurice Herbert Towneley O'Hagan, the 3rd Baron O'Hagan, who served as an aide-de-camp to the Viceroy of India. Charles O'Hagan inherited the title in 1961 at the age of 15, following the death of his grandfather. This automatically granted him a seat in the House of Lords, making him one of the youngest peers at the time. His political focus, however, extended beyond the domestic sphere. Lord O'Hagan was a committed figure in the early days of British involvement in European politics. He served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the region of Devon, holding the post twice: initially from 1973 to 1975, and then again from 1979 to 1984. His work as a Conservative peer and MEP positioned him as a loyal and active member of the establishment.

The Personal Bond: Queen Elizabeth II’s Godson

The relationship between Lord Charles O'Hagan and the late Queen Elizabeth II was a deeply personal one, established at his birth. The Queen, who had over 30 godchildren, was known to maintain a close interest in their lives, extending the royal family’s reach into a wider circle of aristocratic and political families.

A Lifelong Connection to the Crown

Queen Elizabeth II, while still Princess Elizabeth, became Lord Charles O'Hagan's godmother upon his christening in 1945. This connection was a significant honour, linking the O'Hagan family directly to the heart of the British Monarchy. The Queen's role as godmother was more than ceremonial; it signified a personal pledge to guide and support the child's spiritual and moral development. The closeness of the bond was further demonstrated when Lord O'Hagan served as a Page of Honour to the Queen in 1959. This role, typically held by sons of peers, involves attending the monarch on ceremonial occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament. It is a highly symbolic position that cements a young man's early association with the Crown.

The Queen's Circle of Godchildren

Lord Charles O'Hagan was one of approximately 30 individuals who held the distinction of being a godchild to the Queen. This extensive list includes several high-profile figures, demonstrating the Queen’s wide-ranging personal connections. Other notable godchildren include:

• Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
• Alexander, Crown Prince of Yugoslavia, whose father, King George VI, was also his godfather.
• Elizabeth Lavinia Sara King, daughter of Lord Rupert Nevill.
• Guy Nevill, another member of the Nevill family.

The death of Lord O'Hagan is a reminder of the passing generation that shared a direct, familial-style relationship with the late monarch, marking another chapter in the royal family's history of loss.

The Tragic Circumstances of Lord O'Hagan’s Death

The details surrounding Lord O'Hagan's death in March 2025 were made public through an inquest, which revealed the tragic and sudden nature of his passing.

Subdural Hematoma: The Cause of Death

Lord Charles O'Hagan died on March 23, 2025, at the age of 79, due to a severe head injury. The official medical cause of death was confirmed as a subdural hematoma, a serious condition where blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain. This condition is typically caused by a severe head trauma. The inquest, which opened in Exeter, heard that Lord O'Hagan had been admitted to the North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple. It was also noted that he had a history of falls and occasional states of confusion, which likely contributed to the fatal injury. The combination of advanced age and a history of instability made him particularly vulnerable to the kind of trauma that results in a subdural hematoma.

The Inquest and Public Tributes

The inquest provided the necessary legal and medical clarity on the circumstances of his death, confirming that it was a tragic accident. The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from those in the political and aristocratic spheres, acknowledging his dedicated service as a Tory peer and MEP for Devon. His death signifies the end of a life that spanned significant eras of British and European history, from the post-war period to the modern political landscape. The passing of Lord Charles O'Hagan is a poignant moment for those who remember his work in the European Parliament and his quiet, loyal devotion to his godmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. His legacy is one of public service, aristocratic duty, and a personal connection to one of the most significant monarchs in British history.