The main duties of the Lord-Lieutenant are to...
- Arrange visits by members of the Royal Family and to escort Royal visitors.
- Represent His Majesty The King, including duties with the armed forces and presenting certain honours, medals and awards.
- Liaise with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated Cadet Forces.
- Assess nominations for honour, both personal and for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and to encourage nominations for both.
- Chair the local Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace, in liaison with the Ministry of Justice.
- Swear in new magistrates.
HISTORY
The office of the Lord-Lieutenant was created by Henry VIII and originally a military role. The Lord-Lieutenant was responsible for keeping order and managing local defence through military resources.
In 1569, Lord-Lieutenants were given the opportunity to appoint deputies.
Lord-Lieutenants now no longer have direct military responsibility, but the traditional links with the armed forces have remained through the association with the Volunteer Reserve Forces.
Lord-Lieutenants also have a connection with other uniformed organisations such as the police, fire and ambulance services and a wider role in the community working with voluntary organisations.
Lord-Lieutenants have always had an association with - and a close link to - the magistracy. Until the 19th century they appointed the Clerk of the Peace.
The current Lord-Lieutenant is still chairman of the regional Advisory Committee and Keeper of the Rolls.
