Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London

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Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London is a British ceremonial position held by a noble appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. The role involves a variety of duties, primarily focused on representing the Crown within Greater London, excluding the City of London, which has its own separate Lord Mayor.

History

The position of Lord-Lieutenant was originally established in the 16th century, with the responsibility of raising and maintaining local militia units. Over time, the role has evolved, and its military responsibilities have diminished, shifting towards more ceremonial functions. The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London was created in 1965, following the establishment of Greater London, which was formed from the amalgamation of the former County of London with parts of Essex, Kent, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Role and Responsibilities

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London's primary duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown. The Lord-Lieutenant and their deputies attend various ceremonial events, including royal visits, parades, and civic ceremonies. They also play a significant role in local charities and voluntary organizations, encouraging and supporting public service and benevolence.

The Lord-Lieutenant is responsible for the organization of all official royal visits to Greater London. They act as the link between the Monarchy and local authorities, ensuring that royal visits run smoothly and according to protocol. Additionally, the Lord-Lieutenant presents honours and awards on behalf of the Sovereign and participates in civic, voluntary, and social activities within the lieutenancy area.

Appointment

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London is appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The appointment is non-political, and the position is held until the age of 75. The current Lord-Lieutenant is appointed based on their distinguished service to the community or the country, and they must reside within Greater London or within seven miles of the boundary.

Deputies

The Lord-Lieutenant is supported by a team of Deputy Lieutenants, who are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant. Deputy Lieutenants assist with the Lord-Lieutenant's duties as required, especially in their local areas within Greater London. The number of Deputy Lieutenants is determined by the population size of the lieutenancy area.

List of Lord-Lieutenants of Greater London

The position has been held by various distinguished individuals since its creation. The list of Lord-Lieutenants includes notable figures who have contributed significantly to public life in Greater London and beyond.

See Also

• Lieutenancy areas of England
• Monarchy of the United Kingdom
• Civic dignitary