As a child growing up with an absent dad, whenever  I misbehaved my mum's usual threat  was "I'll tell Uncle Rob" who inevitably scared me and brought me back on track.

Yet, he affectionately gave me away on my wedding day.  He miraculously arranged for both my children to be born in the Lindo Wing of St. Margaret's hospital assisted by the same equipe as Lady Diana!

Of few words, whenever I visited him, as he opened the door, he always put on his fake gruff voice, greeting me with "what do you want?" even when I came from Italy. But I knew he was secretly pleased to see me.

This scary softie who I loved and respected will be sadly missed. 

Valerie