Today’s birthdays

Sir Anthony Epstein, pathologist, is 97; Prof Michael Sandle, sculptor, 82; M Jacques Santer, President, European Commission, 1995-99, 81; Lord Cormack, former Conservative MP, 79; Prof M.S. Longair, astronomer, 77; Miss Miriam Margolyes, actress, 77; Mr Nicholas Wills, former company chairman, 77; the Marquess of Reading 76; Mr Keith Hellawell, Expert Adviser to the Home Secretary on International Drugs Issues, 2001-02, 76; Miss Caroline Charles, fashion designer, 76; Mr Nobby Stiles, former England footballer, 76; Sir Anthony Redmond, Chairman and Chief Executive, Commission for Local Administration and Local Government, 2001-10, 73; Prof Dame Celia Hoyles, mathematician, 72; Mr John Bruton, Prime Minister of Ireland, 1994-97, 71; Lt Gen David Leakey, former Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, 66; Prof Don Nutbeam, Vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, 2009-15, 63; Mr Justice Morris 61; Miss Jane Root, broadcasting executive, 61; Miss Toyah Willcox, singer and actress, 60; the Earl of Scarbrough 45; Mr John Higgins, snooker player; World Champion 1998, 2007, 2009 and 2011, 43; the Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery 40; and Ms Shona Mccallin, GB field hockey player; Olympic gold medallist, women’s tournament, Rio 2016, 26.

Today is the anniversary of the birth of Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, in 1868.