Terry Major-Ball

Terry Major-Ball was born on 2 July 1932. He was the elder brother of John Major, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Major-Ball passed away on 13 March 2007 at a hospice in Chard, Somerset, and was surviving by his wife and children at the time of his death.

Major-Ball’s early life was spent in Worcester Park, Surrey. His father, Tom Major-Ball, was a performer in music halls and circuses under the name Tom Major, and later established a garden ornament business by combining his surname with that of his second wife, Gwen, who was a dancer. Major-Ball was educated at Stoneleigh East Secondary Modern School after failing his 11 plus examination. During World War II, he was evacuated to Norfolk. Following the war, he completed National Service with the Royal Army Medical Corps in Germany.

After his military service, Major-Ball attempted to support his father's ailing business, Major’s Garden Ornaments, which was eventually acquired by a competitor in 1962. As a result of the family’s financial difficulties, they moved into rented accommodation in Brixton. To contribute to the family income, Major-Ball undertook various menial jobs. In 1958, while working at Woolworths in Brixton, he met Shirley Wilson, whom he married in 1960. He later worked as a meter installer for the South Eastern Electricity Board and pursued a career in banking.

Major-Ball's prominence increased during his brother John’s tenure as Prime Minister, beginning in November 1990. During this time, he attracted media attention and became known for his discreet loyalty. In 1994, he authored an autobiography titled *Major Major: Memories of an Older Brother*, which was ghostwritten by journalist James Hughes-Onslow. The book received positive reviews, with some commentators describing it as humorous. Major-Ball made appearances on television programs such as *Have I Got News for You* and *The Mrs Merton Show*. He maintained a level of public interest by participating in various media activities, including columns for newspapers such as *The Daily Express*, *The Daily Mail*, and *The Guardian*. Additionally, he hosted a BBC2 travel programme called *A Postcard to my Brother*, visiting countries including France, Germany, and Poland.

Throughout his career, Major-Ball remained notably loyal to his brother and kept private details about personal matters, including the affair between John Major and Edwina Currie and the existence of a secret half-brother.

Following John Major's departure from office after the 1997 general election, Major-Ball’s public profile diminished. In 2003, he relocated from Croydon, London, to Somerset, where he resided until his death. His death was attributed to prostate cancer.