Former prime minister Tony Abbott has lost his father Richard, who has passed away.

Mr Abbott’s father Richard has died at age 93 after suffering a stroke on Monday.

He paid tribute to his father as he announced the sad news on Twitter at midday today.

“The Abbott family has lost a wonderful husband, father and grandfather,” Mr Abbott said.

“God bless you Dad.

Richard Abbott passed away in Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga.

The news comes just days after Frances Abbott, Richard’s granddaughter, announced her shock engagement to Olympic rower Sam Loch. The pair had been together for just two weeks before the proposal took place.

Frances shared the happy news on Instagram, with a caption that read “two weeks was all it took to know that forever with you was a mighty fine idea”.