Today’s birthdays

Dr Michael Longley, writer and poet, is 83; Sir Jeremy Greenstock, former diplomat; Director, The Ditchley Foundation, 2004-10, 79; Lt Gen Sir Michael Willcocks, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, 2001-09, 78; Dr Timothy Walker, Director-general, Health and Safety Executive, 2000-05, 77; Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division, 2013-18, 74; Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff, 2006-09, 69; Mr Allan Border, former cricketer and Captain, Australia cricket team, 1985-94, now commentator, 67; Mr Peter Clarke, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, 2016-20, 67; Mr Christopher Dean, professional ice skater; Olympic ice dance gold medallist, Sarajevo 1984, 64; Prof Colin Riordan, President and Vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, 63; Miss Emily Thornberry, MP, 62; Miss Jo Durie, former tennis player; Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Champion 1987, 62; Ms Cressida Hogg, Chairman, Landsec, 53; Mr Peter Reed, former rower; three-times Olympic gold medallist, 41; Mr Jordan Spieth, golfer; Open Champion 2017, 29 and Mr Thomas Young, athlete; Paralympic gold medallist, 100m, Tokyo 2020, 22.

Today is the anniversary of the granting of a Royal Charter to the Bank of England in 1694.