Rupert Wallace retired from the Royal Navy in 2014 as a Commodore after a career which included the Falklands War, three ship commands, heading a flotilla of destroyers and frigates, and strategic UK defence relations work throughout the Middle East and South Asia. He now divides his time between talking about world affairs on cruise ships, teaching history in schools, long-distance bicycling and walking, and enjoying retirement.

On retirement, he completed a post-graduate degree in International Relations at the London School of Economics, and now talks widely in schools, specializing in inspiring pupils from less-advantaged backgrounds to apply to the top universities. Speaking on cruise ships, according to Rupert, was wholly unanticipated and has become the greatest pleasure and privilege.

Rupert and his wife Kate travel extensively, including independently traveling the Silk Road from Iran to central China. He also loves long distance bicycling, and is currently in the middle of a (COVID-interrupted) 10-year walk from the Atlantic to the Black Sea.