It is with sadness that we announce the death of Lord Robert Armstrong of Ilminster GCB CVO, RNCM Fellow and former Chair of our Board of Governors, on Friday 3 April at the age of 93.
Born in Headington in 1927, Robert was educated at Eton and Oxford before joining the civil service. In 1970 he became Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, serving Edward Heath until 1974 and Harold Wilson between 1974 and 75. Knighted in 1978, he was appointed Cabinet Secretary to Margaret Thatcher’s government, remaining in post until 1987.
The son of a musician, Robert embraced a lifelong love of music and remained a loyal supporter of the College. He became Chairman of the RNCM Board of Governors in 2000, serving for a total of six years. In 2005 he was awarded Fellowship of the RNCM.
To read the full obituary in The Guardian, click here.
