By Adenike Lucas

Sir Roger Moore has died in Switzerland after a short “but brave” battle with cancer. The UNICEF ambassador who played the spy James Bond for 12 years was 89.

The news of his passing was made on twitter by his family who said “With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated.”

In another statement, his children Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian thanked him, adding that he was “very special to so many people.”

“Our thoughts must now turn to supporting Kristina [his wife] at this difficult time.”

“We know our own love and admiration will be magnified many times over, across the world, by people who knew him for his films, his television shows and his passionate work for UNICEF which he considered to be his greatest achievement.

A private funeral will be held in Monaco in accordance with the actor’s wishes.