What does the Lieutenancy contribute to the county?

The Lord-Lieutenant is HM The King’s representative in Surrey. He supports the work of the armed forces, the judiciary, the Church and faith organisations. The Lieutenancy arranges and hosts all Royal Visits to the county.

More broadly, the Lieutenancy plays an important role in recognising and celebrating achievement and excellence of all kinds by business, charities, voluntary organisations and individuals. In that role it is responsible for making recommendations for national honours, for The King’s Award for Enterprise and The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, and for Royal Garden Parties.

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How is one appointed as a Lord-Lieutenant?

The Sovereign, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, appoints Lord-Lieutenants. The opinions of a wide range of citizens in the county are taken before the Prime Minister advises HM The King on possible appointees.

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Who is eligible for appointment as a Lord-Lieutenant?

Any person who is resident in the county is eligible for appointment as Lord-Lieutenant.

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How long does the Lord-Lieutenant’s appointment last?

The appointment is not for a fixed period. 

A Lord-Lieutenant serves until his or her 75th Birthday.

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How much is the Lord-Lieutenant paid?

The Lord-Lieutenant is not paid.

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How do I address the Lord-Lieutenant?

The correct form of address for the Lord-Lieutenant is as follows:

Written – Mr Michael More-Molyneux, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey

Salutation – Dear Lord-Lieutenant, or Dear Mr More-Molyneux 

In a speech preamble – My Lord-Lieutenant

Conversation, on formal occasions – Lord-Lieutenant, or Mr More-Molyneux

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What types of event does the Lord-Lieutenant attend?

The Lord-Lieutenant hosts Investitures for recipients for the British Empire Medal and receptions for nominees for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. He or one of his Deputy Lieutenants will also attend civic functions around the county: special events such as presentations of King’s Awards, awards ceremonies, or events to support the charitable sector. He also visits voluntary and other organisations to acknowledge and recognise the work being done.

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How do I invite the Lord-Lieutenant to an event?

If you would like to invite the Lord-Lieutenant to an event you should write in the first instance to:

Mrs Caroline Breckell MVO DL
Deputy Clerk to the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey
Lieutenancy Office

Estate Office
Loseley Park
Guildford
Surrey GU3 1HS
Or email: caroline.breckell@surreycc.gov.uk

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How can I apply for or nominate an organisation for a King’s Award?

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is awarded for outstanding achievement by groups who regularly volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the lives of others. For a copy of the Surrey Lieutenancy publication ‘The King’s Award for Voluntary Service’ click here. Or for further details and to download a nomination form go to the Award website.

The King’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s top award for business performance. It is presented in four categories: 

• International trade 
• Innovation 
• Sustainable development
• Promoting Opportunity through social mobility 

To find out more about how to nominate for the next round of awards, including whether your business meets the criteria necessary to apply, please visit the Awards website.

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How can I nominate someone for an honour?

The honours system recognises people of outstanding merit, and those who have committed themselves to service to the nation and to their communities. You can submit a nomination at any time. Find out more about the honours process from the Surrey Lieutenancy publication ‘How to nominate Surrey Champions for National Honours’ click here. Or you can nominate someone for an award at www.gov.uk/honours/nominate-someone.

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How can I apply for an anniversary message from HM The King?

HM The King sends congratulatory messages to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter, and those celebrating their 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries and every year thereafter. You can find the forms and further guidance on the British Monarchy website.

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How are Royal Visits arranged?

Royal Visits are generally proposed by the Lord-Lieutenant to the Household of individual members of the Royal Family. Once a visit is agreed, he is responsible for making all the arrangements for the visit. On his behalf, the Deputy Clerk to the Lieutenancy manages the planning arrangements involved with the Royal Household, the host organisation and Surrey Police to ensure the visit successfully meets its objectives and is enjoyed by everyone involved.

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How should I address Members of the Royal Family?

For The King: ‘Your Majesty’ on the first occasion and ‘Sir’ thereafter. For Her Majesty The Queen: ‘Your Majesty’ on the first occasion and ‘Ma’am’ ‘thereafter.
Other female members of the Royal family who hold the title Her Royal Highness: ‘Your Royal Highness’ on the first occasion and then ‘Ma’am’. 

For male members of the Royal Family who hold the title His Royal Highness: ‘Your Royal Highness’ on the first occasion and ‘Sir’ thereafter.

See also Guide to Royal Visits in Surrey. 

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What is the High Sheriff and what is the role?

The High Sheriff of Surrey is appointed by the Sovereign to hold office for one year. Three names are submitted to The King each March. In a ceremony that follows centuries of tradition, His Majesty uses a brass bodkin to ‘prick’ the name of the High Sheriff for the following year.

In theory, the High Sheriff is The King’s legal representative in the county. In practice, today it is largely a ceremonial role but is still the oldest secular office in England and Wales other than the Crown. The office dates back to Saxon times, when the name was ‘Shire Reeve’. Originally, the Shrievalty – as it is known – held many of the powers now taken by the Lord-Lieutenant, High Court Judges, Magistrates, Coroners, local authorities, the Inland Revenue and police.

Members of both Houses of Parliament, clergymen and other certain government officials are disqualified from taking office. Historically, the prospective High Sheriff must hold sufficient land within the County ‘to answer the King and his people’. Other than that, there is no formal qualification for the role. The office is unpaid. 

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Who is the current High Sheriff of Surrey?

The High Sheriff of Surrey 2023-2024 is: Mr Timothy Wates, DL

Contact:
Mrs Caroline Breckell MVO DL
Under Sheriff of Surrey
Shrievalty Office
Estate Office, Loseley Park
Guildford, Surrey GU3 1HS.

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