Michael Purdy aka Helch, who ‘upset’ the queen, dies at 34

Guerrilla artist Michael Purdy, known as Helch and who upset Queen Elizabeth II with Windsor graffiti has died at the age of 34.

According to GB News, Purdy was known for painting his signature name in giant capital letters across buildings, concrete motorway bridges, railway viaducts and rooftops throughout the capital.

Tributes started pouring in after his death was announced. Fellow artists and admirers shared tributes under the banner "Rest in Paint."

The cause of his death was not shared.

In 2019, 60ft-high white letters spelling his name near Windsor Castle had to be scrubbed from a railway viaduct after the late Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly upset that the graffiti marred the view of the royal residence, GB News reported.

Speaking to the Sun at the time, a source said “The Queen was extremely upset to hear that this view of Windsor Castle has been turned into such an eyesore. Her aides have been asked to see what can be done to have this gratuitous vandalism cleaned up and the views across to Windsor Castle restored to their former beauty.”