A man who loved Dummer and Hampshire - that was how Major Ronald Ferguson, who died on Sunday, was described this week by a former long-time resident of the village.

The major died in The Hampshire Clinic, Basingstoke, after suffering a heart attack. He had been fighting prostate cancer from 1996.

After more than 25 years on the fringes of the royal family, Major Ferguson became a public figure himself on the marriage in 1986 of his daughter, Sarah, to Prince Andrew.

Speaking at the family home, Dummer Down Farm, the major's son, Andrew, said: "My father had been in the clinic on and off since October last year. He never grumbled or moaned about his illness - he just got on with life.

"He did marvellous things for hundreds of people, not just his help with polo and cricket clubs but with his tireless support for prostate cancer charities.

"We are all very upset that we have lost him and we want to mourn him quietly."

The major's second wife, Susan, was with him when he died.

At Dummer Cricket Centre, on the Ferguson farm, a flag flew at half-mast this week to mourn the passing of the cricket enthusiast.

Art consultant, David Dean-Saunders, director of Chapel House Gallery at Dummer for 26 years, remembered: "He liked to be known as Major Ron. He was a most determined and able sportsman and showed great ability internationally on the polo field. He also supported the Dummer community in many ways and the village will miss him.

"He showed his loyalty by opting to come back to Dummer for a fireworks display after the Duchess of York's wedding. This endeared him to villagers. I am sad at his death."

According to BBC News, the Duchess of York was on her way to Australia when her father died but had seen him in the clinic shortly before.

A spokeswman for the duchess said: "She is grieving but is grateful for the time she had with her father to say goodbye."

The duchess is expected to attend the funeral early next week.

Major Ferguson spent 28 years in his father's regiment, the Household Cavalry. A member of the Guards' Polo Club in Windsor Great Park since 1955, he was used to mixing in royal circles, on occasion entertaining Prince Philip to dinner. He was Prince Charles's polo manager for 21 years.