Our darling son will be 40 years old on Thursday, the last day of Passover. He will spend it in London and we at The Gables. I can’t even make him a cake – I owe him one. He was the first grandchild for both sets of grandparents and all his grandparents held his own first child.

He has brought us great joy and, yes, we miraculously survived the teenage years just about intact. A man of many parts, his first book felt like an early taste of grand parenthood – although the real grandchildren came later and give more pleasure than any book can offer us.

A working life that veered from stockbroker to army to journalist, author and whistleblower, films, tv appearances and inventor and much more besides. It’s a journey in which we play a part as audience, occasional advisors and amazed parents. Darling son I will miss you so much this week that my heart aches. May we be reunited, along with your children, as soon as circumstances allow. Happy Birthday 💕