Peter Meinertzhagen, a legend in the world of corporate broking, was known for his straight-talking style, his passion for his clients, and his loyalty to a firm where he spent 42 years.

Born in to a distinguished City family - his father was a chairman of Lazard Brothers and Royal Insurance, while his uncle was senior partner at Cazenove - Meinertzhagen joined Hoare Govett as a 19-year-old trainee straight from school. He stayed with the firm 42 years, through its acquisition first by Security Pacific, then ABN Amro.