A Tribute to Sir Sebastian Roberts
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that MMF mourns the passing of Major-General Sir Sebastian John Lechmere Roberts, KCVO, OBE, one of our respected and esteemed board members.
Sir Sebastian Roberts passed away on March 9, 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and an enduring impact on both our organization and the wider community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, and the countless lives he touched within the Irish Guards and beyond.
Sir Sebastian was a highly decorated British Army officer who served as the Senior Army Representative at the Royal College of Defence Studies. He had an illustrious career, including commanding the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in London and Northern Ireland, as well as serving as Major-General commanding the Household Division and General Officer Commanding London District.
His legacy is one of service, leadership, and dedication to his country, which earned him numerous honors, including being appointed as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Sir Sebastian joined MMF’s Board of Directors in 2018, and exemplified the perfect balance of a distinguished leader and a compassionate, gentle, cheerful soul. His unwavering dedication and genuine care for our cause consistently inspired those around him. Sir Sebastian's approachable nature and warm-heartedness have left an indelible mark on our organization.
Sir Sebastian served as Colonel of the Irish Guards from 2008 to 2011, succeeded by Prince William of Wales. His dedication to the Irish Guards was recently honored by The Prince of Wales during a speech delivered at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 2023. As the Prince highlighted,
“I would like to pay tribute to a great Irish Guardsman, who died last week. Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts – or ‘Colonel Sebastian’ as we all knew him – was my predecessor as Colonel. Loved by generations of Irish Guardsmen and many, many others, he was, quite simply, a phenomenon. I was proud to know him, and I extend mine and Colonel Catherine’s heartfelt condolences to Lady Roberts and his family, and to you – his other family: the Irish Guards.” – The Prince of Wales
As we mourn the loss of Sir Sebastian Roberts, we will remember and celebrate his extraordinary life, and the lasting impact he made on our organization – and on so many other people, too. We were lucky to know him.
Sincerely,
Simon Pierce & Andrea Marshall
Co-founders, Marine Megafauna Foundation
