{"product_id":"british-generals-greatcoat-maj-gen-chris-airy","title":"British Army Generals Greatcoat (Maj Gen Chris Airy)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is the single rarest piece ever to come through the door. not only is it a beautifully rare piece, its a rare piece with amazing provenance that leads all the way through the British army and right to the royal family. This is the greatcoat of Major General sir Christopher J Airy, an impeccable piece  in a \u003cstrong\u003eSize 42L \u003c\/strong\u003ethis is a pristine example of perhaps the most unique jacket on the market, its price reflects that. Seldom does an item come up that has both a military and royal connection in quite such a direct way                                                                                                                                               \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"aomdi2\" data-start=\"332\" data-end=\"395\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eMajor General Sir Christopher John Airy KCVO CBE (1934–2025)\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"397\" data-end=\"953\"\u003eMajor General Sir Christopher John Airy was one of the last generation of senior British Army officers whose careers bridged the post-war Empire, the Cold War and the modern British Army. Although he is perhaps best remembered publicly for his brief and difficult period as private secretary to the Prince and Princess of Wales, his military career spanned thirty-five years and culminated in command of the Household Division and London District—one of the most prestigious appointments available to a Guards officer. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"8x8jqb\" data-start=\"955\" data-end=\"969\"\u003eEarly life\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"971\" data-end=\"1365\"\u003eAiry was born on \u003cstrong data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1004\"\u003e8 March 1934\u003c\/strong\u003e at the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital in Woolwich into an Army family. His father, Lieutenant-Colonel Eustace \"Tim\" Airy, first qualified as an RAF pilot before transferring into the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). During Christopher's childhood the family lived in Gibraltar, where his father was responsible for security of the tunnels beneath the Rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003eWhen the Second World War broke out the family returned to Britain by sea. One story Airy later recalled was watching torpedo tracks passing through the water from the deck of the ship before understanding what they actually were. The experience, combined with growing up in a military household, left a lasting impression. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1730\" data-end=\"1999\"\u003eFollowing the war he attended \u003cstrong data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1783\"\u003eMarlborough College\u003c\/strong\u003e, spent time studying French civilisation at the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1832\" data-end=\"1844\"\u003eSorbonne\u003c\/strong\u003e in Paris, and entered the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1871\" data-end=\"1907\"\u003eRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e, commissioning into the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1932\" data-end=\"1952\"\u003eGrenadier Guards\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1954. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2001\" data-end=\"2004\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1mouuwr\" data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2030\"\u003eEarly military career\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2124\"\u003eAiry's first years in uniform coincided with the twilight of Britain's imperial commitments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2556\"\u003eHis battalion deployed to Malta during the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2184\"\u003eSuez Crisis\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1956, training extensively for operations that ultimately never materialised after political intervention halted the campaign. Shortly afterwards he found himself again preparing for combat during the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2389\" data-end=\"2407\"\u003eLebanon Crisis\u003c\/strong\u003e while stationed in Cyprus, although once more events overtook military planning before his battalion deployed. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2558\" data-end=\"2722\"\u003eThese experiences typified the Army of the late 1950s—constantly preparing for intervention across Britain's shrinking empire, often without actually seeing combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2724\" data-end=\"2727\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"wb3x09\" data-start=\"2729\" data-end=\"2757\"\u003eRising through the Guards\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2759\" data-end=\"2837\"\u003eAiry rapidly developed a reputation as an exceptionally capable staff officer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2839\" data-end=\"3326\"\u003eBy only twenty-six he became \u003cstrong data-start=\"2868\" data-end=\"2947\"\u003ePersonal Military Assistant to the Secretary of State for War, John Profumo\u003c\/strong\u003e, an unusually senior appointment for such a young officer. He was therefore working inside the War Office during one of the biggest political scandals in British history—the \u003cstrong data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3140\"\u003eProfumo Affair\u003c\/strong\u003e of 1963. Although Airy had already returned to regimental duty by the time Profumo resigned, the two men reportedly remained in contact afterwards. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3435\"\u003eThroughout the 1960s and 1970s he alternated between command and high-level staff appointments, serving as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3591\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1gy5xzv\" data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3472\"\u003eDeputy Assistant Adjutant-General\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"cxnvmj\" data-start=\"3473\" data-end=\"3494\"\u003eRegimental Adjutant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"df7ghw\" data-start=\"3495\" data-end=\"3532\"\u003eBrigade Major of 4th Guards Brigade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"chezbc\" data-start=\"3533\" data-end=\"3591\"\u003eMilitary Assistant to the Master-General of the Ordnance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3593\" data-end=\"3834\"\u003ebefore an unexpected transfer from the \u003cstrong data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3652\"\u003eGrenadier Guards\u003c\/strong\u003e to command the \u003cstrong data-start=\"3668\" data-end=\"3698\"\u003e1st Battalion Scots Guards\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1974. Such transfers between Guards regiments were uncommon and surprised many contemporaries. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3839\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1b1kp91\" data-start=\"3841\" data-end=\"3871\"\u003eCommanding the Scots Guards\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3873\" data-end=\"4085\"\u003eAs Commanding Officer of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3898\" data-end=\"3928\"\u003e1st Battalion Scots Guards\u003c\/strong\u003e, Airy led the battalion during \u003cstrong data-start=\"3960\" data-end=\"3980\"\u003eOperation Banner\u003c\/strong\u003e in Belfast as well as on numerous British Army of the Rhine exercises during the height of the Cold War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4087\" data-end=\"4505\"\u003eHe developed a reputation as an extremely professional, traditional Guards officer—immaculately turned out, courteous and highly disciplined. Some within the Scots Guards joked he retained \"more than a touch of residual Grenadier,\" reflecting his precise standards and formality. One famous anecdote recalls him correcting a Guardsman in Belfast for tying his puttees incorrectly. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4507\" data-end=\"4510\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1lgfjm4\" data-start=\"4512\" data-end=\"4532\"\u003eThe Falklands War\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4534\" data-end=\"4643\"\u003eFollowing brigade command in Germany, Airy became \u003cstrong data-start=\"4584\" data-end=\"4642\"\u003eAssistant Chief of Staff at United Kingdom Land Forces\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4645\" data-end=\"4886\"\u003eWhen Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982 he was responsible for identifying additional infantry units to reinforce the Task Force. He selected the \u003cstrong data-start=\"4803\" data-end=\"4819\"\u003eWelsh Guards\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"4824\" data-end=\"4854\"\u003e2nd Battalion Scots Guards\u003c\/strong\u003e to join \u003cstrong data-start=\"4863\" data-end=\"4885\"\u003e5 Infantry Brigade\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4888\" data-end=\"5161\"\u003eAlthough 5 Brigade later suffered criticism over its hurried preparation and deployment, historians generally agree responsibility was spread across multiple headquarters and commanders rather than resting solely with Airy's decisions. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5163\" data-end=\"5166\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"c7u6fb\" data-start=\"5168\" data-end=\"5189\"\u003eHousehold Division\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5191\" data-end=\"5239\"\u003ePromotion to \u003cstrong data-start=\"5204\" data-end=\"5221\"\u003eMajor General\u003c\/strong\u003e followed in 1983.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5241\" data-end=\"5311\"\u003eAfter attending the \u003cstrong data-start=\"5261\" data-end=\"5297\"\u003eRoyal College of Defence Studies\u003c\/strong\u003e, Airy became:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"5313\" data-end=\"5415\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1b3xg1g\" data-start=\"5313\" data-end=\"5366\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5315\" data-end=\"5366\"\u003eMajor-General Commanding the Household Division\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"vchdid\" data-start=\"5367\" data-end=\"5415\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5369\" data-end=\"5415\"\u003eGeneral Officer Commanding London District\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5417\" data-end=\"5442\"\u003efrom \u003cstrong data-start=\"5422\" data-end=\"5441\"\u003e1986 until 1989\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5444\" data-end=\"5735\"\u003eThis appointment placed him in command of Britain's ceremonial Army—responsible for the Guards Division, Trooping the Colour, state occasions and the military presence around the Royal Household. It represented the pinnacle of a Guards officer's career. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5737\" data-end=\"5784\"\u003eHis service was recognised with appointment as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"5786\" data-end=\"5972\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"11mfytl\" data-start=\"5786\" data-end=\"5850\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"5788\" data-end=\"5842\"\u003eCommander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1984\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"kdjwa5\" data-start=\"5851\" data-end=\"5972\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"5853\" data-end=\"5909\"\u003eKnight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)\u003c\/strong\u003e upon retirement in 1989. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5974\" data-end=\"5977\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"mkl4yl\" data-start=\"5979\" data-end=\"6013\"\u003eCharles, Diana and Jimmy Savile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6015\" data-end=\"6075\"\u003eAiry's most famous public appointment came after retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6077\" data-end=\"6167\"\u003eIn 1990 he became \u003cstrong data-start=\"6095\" data-end=\"6166\"\u003ePrivate Secretary and Treasurer to the Prince and Princess of Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6169\" data-end=\"6507\"\u003eThe appointment itself remains one of the more unusual episodes in recent royal history because it reportedly came after a recommendation from \u003cstrong data-start=\"6312\" data-end=\"6328\"\u003eJimmy Savile\u003c\/strong\u003e, who at that time enjoyed remarkable access to members of the Royal Family and senior public figures—years before his crimes became known. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6509\" data-end=\"6550\"\u003eUnfortunately the role proved a poor fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6552\" data-end=\"6873\"\u003eAiry entered a Royal Household already fracturing under the deteriorating relationship between Charles and Diana. His formal military style clashed with the increasingly informal atmosphere within Charles's household, and he reportedly struggled to navigate the competing factions that had formed around the royal couple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6875\" data-end=\"7051\"\u003eHe resigned after less than a year, later describing it as a \"fated service\" that haunted him despite an otherwise distinguished career. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"7053\" data-end=\"7056\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"elcqkt\" data-start=\"7058\" data-end=\"7071\"\u003eLater life\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7073\" data-end=\"7167\"\u003eFollowing his departure from St James's Palace, Airy retired with his wife Judith to Somerset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7169\" data-end=\"7519\"\u003eAway from public life he devoted considerable time to veterans' charities, particularly \u003cstrong data-start=\"7257\" data-end=\"7278\"\u003eThe Not Forgotten\u003c\/strong\u003e, supporting wounded, injured and isolated former servicemen and women. He also remained involved in military organisations and retained close links with the Guards regiments throughout his retirement. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7521\" data-end=\"7679\"\u003eHis wife of sixty-five years, Judith, died in January 2025. Sir Christopher died on \u003cstrong\u003e8\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7605\" data-end=\"7621\"\u003e April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e, aged ninety-one. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"7681\" data-end=\"7684\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"11xwg0g\" data-start=\"7686\" data-end=\"7695\"\u003eLegacy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7697\" data-end=\"7869\"\u003eHistory will probably remember Christopher Airy less for his brief, uncomfortable time at the centre of royal drama than for his long career as a consummate Guards officer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7871\" data-end=\"8222\"\u003eHe belonged to a generation that served through the last years of Britain's imperial commitments, the Cold War, Northern Ireland, and the ceremonial traditions of the Household Division. Impeccably turned out, meticulous in standards and deeply committed to military service, he embodied the old-school Guards ethos of discipline, duty and discretion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8224\" data-end=\"8530\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eFor collectors, a coat belonging to Sir Christopher Airy is therefore more than just an officer's greatcoat. It represents a career that stretched from the Suez Crisis to the gates of Buckingham Palace—a tangible piece of British military history worn by one of the last senior Guards officers of that era.                                                                                       \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8224\" data-end=\"8530\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeatures include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDouble breasted design\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull length \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFitting back belt\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh rise collar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade from 100% wool\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent condition. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"British Army","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57136542187900,"sku":null,"price":1366.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/4029\/0632\/files\/2_57c0704b-302f-4c31-959d-4a9e841f5833.jpg?v=1783333504","url":"https:\/\/goarmy.co.uk\/en-us\/products\/british-generals-greatcoat-maj-gen-chris-airy","provider":"Goarmy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}