The Lord-Lieutenant role and profile

My role as Lord-Lieutenant

Bedfordshire is a thriving and ambitious county populated by diverse communities living successfully together.

With an enviable geographic position which enables easy national and international links, it is a great place to do business.

The county blends beautiful countryside and village communities, with vibrant towns rich in cultural heritage and modern culture.

Many people who live in Bedfordshire are active volunteers engaged in building their communities and creating a positive and convivial atmosphere. It is simply a great place to live and work.

HM the King appoints a Lord-Lieutenant for each county on the advice of the Prime Minister, who consults widely in the county concerned. Lord Lieutenants cover all areas of the UK.

'The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire is His Majesty's representative within the county, and it is my first and foremost duty to uphold the dignity of the Crown. Lord-Lieutenants are not political figures.

The office of Lord-Lieutenant is unpaid and the age of retirement is 75. As the Monarch's representative, I undertake the following duties:

  • being responsible for the arrangements for all Royal visits in the County, attending each visit and escorting the Royal visitor during the visit
  • preparing the guest list for Royal Garden Parties
  • advising on matters concerning the Crown
  • advising on submissions for Honours Nominations
  • presenting decorations such as OBEs, MBEs and BEMs
  • presenting awards, such as the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
  • I am Keeper of the Rolls and chair the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee for the appointment of Magistrates

I am required to appoint Deputy Lieutenants within an establishment that varies according to the population of a county. In Bedfordshire, a maximum of 30 Deputy Lieutenants may be appointed. They are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant, subject only to His Majesty not disapproving the Commission. I appoint the Vice Lord-Lieutenant from among the Deputy Lieutenants.

I develop close links with the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The traditional links with the military have been maintained with my association with the Territorial Army and other reserve forces. In recent years, the links between Lord-Lieutenants and the uniformed organisations have also led to support being given to a wider spectrum of voluntary groups. I hold a service of Thanksgiving and Rededication for Voluntary Organisations, which takes place at a different venue in the county each year.

From the earliest days, Lord-Lieutenants have also been closely associated with the Magistracy, and until the 19th century was appointed the Clerk of the Peace. Today Lord Lieutenants usually holds the office of Keeper of the Rolls.

I have an important role in relation to local civic, business, industrial, social and community life. In particular, I welcome the opportunity to support and encourage volunteers from across all our communities and give time to directly supporting a number of groups.

I attend a significant number of events all across Bedfordshire and meet with people from all walks of life. You can see details of these in my engagements lists.