Richard Dannatt was a soldier for forty years concluding his military career as Chief of the General Staff – the professional head of the British Army. Since retiring from active duty in 2009, he was Constable of the Tower of London until July 2016. In 2011 he became an independent member of the House of Lords. He is a frequent commentator on defence and security issues in the media. He is also on several other boards in the private and charitable sectors. He holds a number of other appointments including being a Trustee of the Normandy Memorial Trust which is putting a national memorial in Normandy to mark the 75th anniversary of D Day on 6th June 2019 and Chairman of The National Emergencies Trust. He divides his time between London and his family home in Norfolk where he runs the family arable farm. He is a Deputy Lieutenant for both Greater London and Norfolk. He published his autobiography: “Leading from the Front” in 2010, and a second book: “Boots on the Ground – Britain and her Army since 1945” in October 2016. He is married with four children, eight grandsons and two granddaughters. His wife, Philippa, was High Sheriff of Norfolk 2014-2015 and is currently Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk. He loves watching cricket and is an Ambassador for the Lords’ Taverners in Norfolk. He plays golf and tennis, enjoys shooting and fishing and supports Norwich City FC.