Rolf Harris dies aged 93

It's thought the disgraced TV star had been suffering from neck cancer

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 23rd May 2023
Last updated 23rd May 2023

Disgraced TV star and convicted sex offender Rolf Harris has died aged 93.

The entertainer was world-famous as a musician, painter and presenter and even painted the Queen for her 80th birthday, but in 2014 was found guilty of 12 counts of historic sexual assault against four female victims.

One of those counts was later overturned, with Harris serving three years in prison for the other 11 counts.

He is thought to have had neck cancer.

The news of his death was confirmed to PA news agency by a registrar at Maidenhead Town Hall.

Titles taken away after abuse conviction

In light of his conviction, Harris had his 2012 Bafta fellowship removed and was stripped of his CBE. He also had Australian honours taken away.

He was made an MBE in the 1960s, OBE a decade later and CBE in 2006 – the year after he painted the late queen’s 80th birthday portrait.

The decision to revoke an honour, which can be recommended by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat to the Forfeiture Committee, must be approved by the sovereign.

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