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When Randolph Churchill, the wartime Prime Minister's great-grandson, was born on 22 January 1965, Sir Winston Churchill was already in a coma, nearing death, but this hasn’t stopped this 50-year-old former Royal Navy lieutenant feeling a powerful family bond that transcends the generations that separate the two of them.
Back in January this year Randolph Churchill played a key role in the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Sir Winston’s state funeral. He stepped into his great-grandfather’s shoes behind the microphone when he read his VE Day radio broadcast to the nation. He then spoke about the family legacy, and how his genes have shaped his life. Randolph Churchill is very active in the various Churchill trusts (such as the one set up to make awards to encourage youngsters to explore the world). Today, he lives with his wife, Catherine, and children, just a mile away from his great-grandfather’s favourite house, Chartwell in Kent. It is now in the hands of the National Trust but he drops in regularly to delight that so many visitors “still believe the family lives there”. Winston Churchill always held France in high esteem. He served in the trenches in WW1, he provided refuge for General De Gaulle in WW2 and always argued the cause of France. We are very grateful to Randolph Churchill for taking the time to come and talk to the Franco-British Society. |
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