In recent months, Dyer has undergone treatment for stomach cancer. However he will be well enough to attend the nuptials of his niece, Alicia Lowes, next month, according to Richard Eden in the Daily Mail. ‘Last year was hell for Mark, but he’s turned the corner and is cancer-free,’ said Alicia, a celebrated soprano who is set to wed her beau Alex Simpson in Monmouthshire. Among the pageboys will be Dyer’s son, Jasper. While some schoolboys might worry about the pressure of such an event, there is unlikely to be any concern for Jasper, who successfully performed the role at the wedding of his godfather, the Duke of Sussex, in May 2018.
Cheltenham College alumnus Dyer, affectionately known as ‘Marko’, joined Prince Harry on trips to Argentina and Australia. In Lesotho, Harry spent two months working at the invitation of Prince Seeiso, a friend of Dyer’s, and the two royals would later found their charity, Sentebale. Dyer was later made a director of the organisation.
‘Marko’ arriving with Jack Brooksbank for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Prince Harry and ‘Marko’ remained close as the prince joined the Army. The numerous accounts of Marko’s guidance, support and kindness in Spare make clear what a positive and important influence the aide had on the royal.
In a testament to their relationship, Prince Harry served as an usher at Dyer’s 2010 wedding to Amanda Kline. Dyer is understood to have returned the favour and played a part in Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle. Photos made public in the Sussexes’ Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, include one showing Harry with his arms around Marko and other men in his inner circle.
