Prince William has paid tribute to Sir Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, who has died at the age of 62 after a battle with cancer. In an emotional statement shared via Kensington Palace's social media accounts, the Prince of Wales praised Younger's 'integrity and courage' and described him as an 'exceptional public servant'.
Sir Alex led the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) from 2014 to 2020, having joined the agency in 1991. His career included postings across Europe, the Middle East and Afghanistan, and he previously served as a British Army officer. He also oversaw MI6's counter-terrorism operations, including security preparations for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led political tributes, saying Sir Alex 'led an exemplary life and career' and would be remembered for his 'utmost dedication to British public life'. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper added that his 'dedication, integrity and outstanding leadership kept us all safe'.
Current MI6 chief Blaise Metreweli said Younger 'embodied my service's values of integrity, courage, creativity and respect' and made a 'lasting and distinctive contribution to our country and global security'.
Prince William spent three weeks working with MI5, MI6 and GCHQ in 2019 to learn how the UK's security and intelligence agencies operate. Younger was known for his remarks about James Bond, noting in 2016 that the fictional spy would need to 'change his ways' to pass MI6's recruitment process.
