The Earl of Harewood has died, aged 88, just months before he was due to complete 50 years as Leeds United’s president.

George Henry Hubert Lascelles, first cousin of the Queen, was a regular attender at Elland Road and was a close friend of the club’s late manager Don Revie during the club’s glory years.

A statement on the club’s website read: “It is with deep sadness that Leeds United learned of the passing of our long-serving president Lord Harewood on Monday morning.

“Lord Harewood was due to celebrate his 50th anniversary as club president later this year and a surprise celebration party was being organised in September when many former players, managers and fans were due to be invited.”

United chairman Ken Bates said: “Although he was royalty he always treated me as an equal and I feel like I have lost a true friend. Leeds United have also lost a great friend and the greatest tribute the club could give him is by being promoted this season.”

Lord Harewood’s two major interests were football and opera. He was president of the Football Association from 1963 to 1972 and chairman of the English National Opera from 1986 to 1995.