Robert was born in Liverpool in 1928, and shortly after his birth, his parents relocated to New Malden in Surrey, where his father held a position as an accountant for a prominent chemical company. He attended a grammar school in Raynes Park, where he received a solid foundation in his education.
Subsequently, Robert pursued higher education at Oxford University, where he earned an Honours degree in English. During his time at Oxford, he took on the role of editor for the university's magazine, Isis. After completing his studies, Robert joined a newspaper company, initially working on 'The Weekly Telegraph' before progressing to the Sunday Chronicle, Sunday Graphic, and Sunday Times.
The mid-1950s newspaper strike led Robert to explore opportunities in television, where he worked on various programs, including 'Monitor', 'Picture Parade', and 'Points of View'. He later became chairman of 'Call My Bluff' and 'Ask the Family'.
Following 1967, Robert shifted his focus to radio, hosting 'The Book Programme' and, on television, 'Stop the Week With Robert Robinson'. He also appeared on the 'Today' programme for three years. In addition to his broadcasting career, Robert has written several novels, including 'Landscape With Dead Dons', his first written at the age of 26, 'The Conspiracy', and 'Inside Robert Robinson'.
Robert is the proud father of three children: Nicholas, born in 1960, Lucy, born in 1967, and Suzy, born in 1973.