HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across local and regional government, interim consultancy, business and the voluntary sector.
She has also helped to run her family’s insurance broking business and holds an MBA.
Neelam is also the Chair of the Community Foundation for Surrey, which channels funding and support to grassroots organisations tackling deprivation and need across the county.
Guided by the belief that strong communities are built when rights and responsibilities go hand in hand, Neelam is committed to unity and to the values of fairness, respect, liberty, responsibility and the rule of law.
Neelam has a son, daughter and four grandchildren.
I’ve spent my working life alongside communities, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people are at their best when they feel both trusted and needed. Surrey is a remarkable county, and I’m looking forward to spending my time out among its people – listening, showing up, and celebrating everything that makes this such a special place to belong.
Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant
Robert Fraser was appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey on 1st January 2026.
Robert retired from the Royal Navy after 33 years service to take up an appointment as a Circuit Judge in 2007. Trained as a barrister, he was Resident Judge at Guildford Crown Court until 2023 and sat as a Senior Judge in the Sovereign Base Areas, Cyprus hearing serious criminal and public law cases in the Dependant Territory.
His naval career was varied, covering both legal and non legal appointments and including 3 years as Equerry to HRH The Prince of Wales from 1991 to 1994, 2 years as Briefing Officer to First Sea Lord, then as Secretary to the Chiefs of Staff Committee reporting to the Chief of Defence Staff in the Ministry of Defence and finally as head lawyer in the Royal Navy as Director of Naval Legal Services in the rank of Commodore.
Sitting in crime in both London and Guildford, he conducted a wide range of cases retiring as Resident Judge in 2023 but continuing to sit as a judge in the Crown Court.
He is a Shipwright and a Vice Patron of Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care. He is married to Isobel and they have two daughters.