Lord Carrington has long been a hero of mine, not because he was an excellent chairman of a distinguished auction house, which I still frequent, but ever since he resigned in 1982, when foreign secretary, over the Falklands, without any encouragement.
In doing so, he set a rare example of honour and courage, traits which are so lacking in many of today’s politicians.
For the record, Lord Carrington is very much alive, and he will happily be 99 in June next year.
Could I take this opportunity to celebrate the continued, vibrant existence of such a charming, respected and enlightened gentleman, ever the diplomat, who possesses a superb sense of humour?
Some years back, when I encountered Lord Carrington in Duke Street in St James’s, I held out my hand to greet him. “How wonderful to see you again!” he exclaimed enthusiastically, thrusting his hand into mine, with a broad smile, before striding past me.
I am convinced he had not a clue who I was, but he left me a very happy man, feeling appreciated.
Gavin Littaur
London NW4
Our apologies
The Antiques Trade Gazette offers its sincerest apologies to Lord Carrington, his family and friends and our readers for mistakenly referring to him as “the late” Lord Carrington in ATG No 2321’s front page report.
