Royal sympathy for DJ welcomed at palaces

The former DJ and miner was an unlikely but regular visitor to royal palaces and was used as an intermediary in an attempt to resolve the differences between the Prince and Princess of Wales shortly before their split.

It was Sir Jimmy who had encouraged the Princess to spearhead the “say no” drugs campaign and who coached her before she gave her first television interview.

Asked why he was invited so often by the Royal family, he once said: “Royalty are surrounded by people who don’t know how to deal with it.

“I have a freshness of approach which they obviously find to their liking. I think I get invited because I have a natural good fun way of going on and we have a laugh. They don’t get too many laughs.”

Following news of his death, which came after a spell in hospital earlier this month with a suspected bout of pneumonia, a Clarence House spokeswoman said: “The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were saddened to hear of Jimmy Savile’s death and their thoughts are with his family at this time.”

John Myers, the chief executive of the UK radio sector industry body, the Radio Academy, described Sir Jimmy’s death as a “great loss”.

“He was one of the pioneers of modern pop music radio,” he said. “He made the smooth transfer from Radio Luxembourg to the BBC in the late 1960s and from 1997 moved his broadcasts to commercial radio, where he continued to be successful and well respected by radio audiences around the UK.”

The UK radio industry meets for its annual festival in Salford this week and his death will be marked at a special session tomorrow.

BBC director general Mark Thompson said: “From Top Of The Pops to Jim’ll Fix It, Jimmy’s unique style entertained generations of BBC audiences. Like millions of viewers and listeners we shall miss him greatly.”

Broadcaster Stuart Hall said he was “unique” and added: “He had lots of imitators, the one and only Jimmy Savile.”

Former BBC DJ Tony Blackburn said: “He was a one-off – that’s the way he’ll be remembered, really – but in particular all that money he raised for charity.”

Classical singer Katherine Jenkins said: “Sad news Jimmy Savile has passed away. My sis & I always wanted a Jim’ll Fix it badge/medal. Loved that show. Great memories £RIPJimmySavile.”

Apprentice star Lord Sugar tweeted: “Sad news on the death of Jimmy Savile very funny man and did loads of work for charity, RIP.”

Former deputy Labour leader Lord Prescott tweeted: “Sad to hear of Jimmy Savile’s death. Tireless fundraiser and a real character. £nowthennowthen.