THE family of a Bolton man who spent his life travelling the world looking after royalty and top politicians have paid tribute to a “wonderful” man.

Sir Gordon Booth, aged 92, and his wife Lady Jeanne Booth, aged 91, featured in The Bolton News in February as they celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.

Sir Gordon, who was given a knighthood in 1980, died in the early hours of June 13 at a care home in Poole, Dorset, after developing a chest infection.

The couple, who have a son and a daughter, and 16 great-grandchildren, met at the Bolton Church Institute in 1934 — which later became Canon Slade.

They married during World War II on February 5, 1944, when Sir Gordon was stationed in England as a tank captain.

After the war Sir Gordon worked for the Ministry of Labour and the Labour Exchange in Westhoughton before the couple moved to London in 1952 when he went to work for the Board of Trade.

Three years later, when he worked for the Foreign Office, the pair travelled the world, living in Canada, Trinidad and Denmark.

In 1975 they were asked to entertain the new leader of the opposition, Margaret Thatcher, and a year later they looked after Her Majesty The Queen during the US bicentennial celebrations.

Lady Jeanne said: “It is very sad, but thankfully he passed away peacefully in his sleep. He had a short illness for about five weeks — it was a chest infection but he couldn’t shake it off.

“We had such a wonderful life together. We have been all over the world thanks to his jobs and met a number of amazing people.

“The service will be a celebration of his life.

“I would like to thank everyone who has sent their condolences.”

Sir Gordon Booth’s funeral will take place at All Saints’ Church, Western Road, Poole, on Monday at 11am, followed by committal at Poole Crematorium.