Blofeld was born into a family of landowners in the village of Hoveton in Norfolk.

The youngest of three siblings, he had a privileged upbringing on the estate and, in an interview with the Radio Times last year, spoke of the servants that called him Master Henry when he was a child.

Henry's older brother John technically inherited the estate due to being the oldest son, and he went on to become a distinguished barrister and judge. John sat in Norwich as a High Court judge from 1991 to 2001, and was later knighted for his services.

Although 'Blowers' does not spend quite as much time in Norfolk nowadays, he regularly voices his affection for the county and was a vocal opponent to the eventual demolition of Lakenham cricket pavilion.