Field Marshal Lord Guthrie Dies at 86, Remembered for Distinguished Service

Field Marshal Charles Ronald Llewelyn Guthrie, Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank, a revered figure in British military history, passed away on September 18, 2025, at the age of 86. Lord Guthrie, who served as Chief of the General Staff from 1994 to 1997 and subsequently as Chief of the Defence Staff from 1997 until his retirement in 2001, is being widely mourned across political and military circles. Tributes have poured in, remembering his lifetime of service and leadership.

Lord Guthrie's illustrious career spanned decades, beginning with his commission into the Welsh Guards in 1959. He also saw active service with the elite Special Air Service (SAS), a testament to his exceptional capabilities. Journalist Mark Urban, reflecting on Lord Guthrie's character, shared on social media, > "Sorry to hear of Lord Guthrie’s passing. He was CDS at a time when we had much freer contact with the senior military- he was whip smart with a wicked sense of humour. SAS guys serving in Baghdad several years after he ‘retired’ told me Guthrie sometimes went on raids as an extra operator just for the hell if it." This anecdote highlights his adventurous spirit and deep connection to the forces.

As Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Guthrie provided crucial strategic military advice to the British Government during significant international interventions, including the Bosnian War, the Kosovo War, and operations in Sierra Leone. His candour and deep insight made him an invaluable, though sometimes challenging, advisor to governments. He was promoted to the honorary rank of Field Marshal in 2012, a rare distinction.

Following his retirement from active service, Lord Guthrie was elevated to the peerage as Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank in 2001, sitting as a crossbencher in the House of Lords. He remained an influential voice in debates concerning ethics and the use of force, co-authoring a book on the just war tradition. A devout Catholic, he also dedicated his time to various charities and served as Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University. He is survived by his two sons; his wife, Catherine Worrall, predeceased him in 2022.