EMILY PRESCOTT: Beauty queen Charlotte Tilbury’s secret agony

Make-up queen Charlotte Tilbury played a big part in some of the most sophisticated and high-end Platinum Jubilee events.

But her partying with pals Kate Moss and Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor masked a family sadness, because behind the scenes her father was terribly ill and died just days later.

Artist Lance Tilbury died on June 9 after a two-year illness.

It marked the end of a long ordeal for multi-millionaire Charlotte, 49, who had been caring for him at her home in Notting Hill, West London, for months, ensuring he had the best care from specialists in nearby Harley Street.

A friend said Charlotte was willing to spend whatever it took to get him well again.

Shortly before his death, Lance is said to have planned to secretly marry Charlotte’s mother, Patsy.

Charlotte Tilbury, pictured with Phoebe Dynevor had a secret heartbreak ahead of the Queen’s Jubilee as her father, Lance, was deteriorating following a two-year illness 

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It marked the end of a long ordeal for multi-millionaire Charlotte, 49, who had been caring for her father Lance, pictured left, at her home in Notting Hill, West London, for months, ensuring he had the best care from specialists in nearby Harley Street

Lance was one of the best-known residents on Ibiza – his ashes were scattered there last week with only family members present

A friend said: ‘Patsy didn’t believe in marriage, but once Lance became ill they began to plan a formal union as they needed to take care of the family legacy created from Charlotte’s cosmetic empire.’

A family spokesman described Lance as Patsy’s ‘husband’, but sadly the couple didn’t have time to officially marry.

Lance was one of the best-known residents on Ibiza – his ashes were scattered there last week with only family members present.

Socialite and family friend Tori Cook said on social media: ‘A true legend. We will miss you terribly.’ His distinctive art is filled with swirling colours and mythical subjects, and his exhibition launch parties attracted stars such as Gillian Anderson and Jemma Kidd.

Charlotte says he inspired her to start Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, the firm that brought her fame and wealth. Calling him her ‘guiding light, inspiration and North Star’, she said: ‘The greatest gift of all was having a magical father. He was a talented artist whose colour palettes, perfectionism, brush strokes and otherworldly ideas inspired me. The twinkle in his eye won the world over.’