Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire
The King appoints a Lord-Lieutenant as his representative in each county. The role is non-political and unpaid.
Lord-Lieutenant: Edward Gillespie OBE
Vice Lord-Lieutenant: Roger Deeks DL
Clerk to the Lieutenancy: Peter Bungard.
The Lord-Lieutenant has a number of ceremonial roles. For example, he helps to make the arrangements and formally receive the King or other members of the Royal Family or heads of state when they visit the county. He may also be asked to act on behalf of the King, for example, in presenting awards and honours.
The Lord-Lieutenant maintains links with the armed forces and emergency services and is also the patron or president of a number of county charities. Much of his time, however, will be given to actively supporting the civic life of the county, working with local councils and agencies, the emergency services, schools, charities and the voluntary sector.
Gloucestershire Lieutenancy Platinum Jubilee Webpage
How can I arrange a royal visit?
If you wish to invite a member of the royal family to an event taking place in Gloucestershire you should invite them at least six months in advance.
All invitations received are carefully considered. For the greatest chance of success we recommend you make your invitation via the Lord Lieutenant who is responsible for advising on invitations and for co-ordinating the programme of royal visitors. The Lord Lieutenant will then liaise with Buckingham Palace, the private office of the prospective royal visitor and the host organisation.
Contact the Lord Lieutenant's Office.
Further information about inviting a member of the royal family to an event are available on the British Monarchy website
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. It's been around for centuries, but it was a closed system for many years. Only since 1993 has everybody been free to nominate.
You can submit a nomination at any time through the www.gov.uk website link below. Receipt of your nomination will be acknowledged but it is not possible to provide further information, or progress reports, on your nomination.
Find out more about the honours process and how you can nominate someone for an award at www.gov.ukOpens new window.
The King confers awards on the advice of the Prime Minister. The honours lists are published twice a year, at New Year and in mid-June on the date of The King's official birthday. There are a limited number of awards available, so only those who have given exceptional service are likely to succeed.
Lists of honours are published in the national press and on the www.gov.uk website using the link above.
How can I apply for a wedding anniversary or birthday greeting from the King?
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 should apply for a message at least 3 weeks before the day.
The card will have a personalised message with a facsimile signature. The card comes in a special envelope, delivered through the normal post system. There is no charge for this service.
To apply to receive a congratulatory message from The King you should make your application at least three weeks before the special day. you will need to complete a form and supply a photocopy of the marriage or birth certificate.
- find the forms and further guidance on the British MonarchyOpens new window website.
- order a copy of a birth or marriage online from the General Register Office for England and Wales: online copy certificate ordering serviceOpens new window
- check if the person or couple is eligible for a message Anniversary messages from the King
Who gets invited to Royal garden parties?
Three Royal Garden Parties are held at Buckingham Palace every year and about 8000 people attend each party. If you feel that someone in Gloucestershire has made a major contribution to life in the community, or has provided exceptional service in any other way, you could recommend that they are invited to this special event.
To nominate someone for a garden party invitation, contact the Lord Lieutenant's Office.
If you have been invited to a Royal Garden Party get some guidance on what to expect and what to wear from the British Monarchy website
How can I apply for or nominate an organisation for a Queen's Award?
The Queen'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. Groups can be nominated by people who have benefited from their work, members of the public, representatives of public bodies, or other voluntary groups. The nominations must be endorsed by two supporters. You cannot nominate a group if you, a relative or your partner is involved in running or working for the group.
To nominate a group or find out more visit the The Queen's Award for Voluntary ServiceOpens new window website.
The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the UK's top for business performance. They are presented in three categories:
- international trade
- innovation
- sustainable development.
Winners receive a range of benefits including worldwide recognition and extensive press coverage.
For an application form and to find out more, including whether your business meets the criteria necessary to apply, visit the Queen's Award for EnterpriseOpens new window website.
The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion - this award is given to individuals who have played a major role in promoting the spirit of enterprise in the UK. There is a maximum of ten awards each year. If there is an appropriate candidate, a single lifetime achievement award may also be presented.
To nominate someone for an award visit the Queen's Award for EnterpriseOpens new window website.
What is the role of the Lord-Lieutenant?
His Majesty The King appoints the Lord-Lieutenant for each County on the advice of the Prime Minister who consults widely in the County concerned. He is His Majesty's representative and consequently it is his first and foremost duty to uphold the dignity of the Crown.
The Lord-Lieutenant therefore stands apart from politics in his County. The office is unpaid and the age of retirement is 75. As the Monarch's representative, the Lord-Lieutenant attends and is responsible for the arrangements for all Royal visits, presenting medals and awards, advises on submissions for honours nominations, prepares the guest list for Royal Garden Parties and advises on matters concerning the Crown. As Keeper of the Rolls and Chief Magistrate in the County the Lord-Lieutenant chairs the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committees for the appointment of Magistrates.
The Lord-Lieutenant maintains close links with the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in connection with the Territorial units.
The Lord-Lieutenant will be interested in all aspects of life within the County - both voluntary and statutory as well as business, social and cultural including nominations for the National Honours List.
Lord-Lieutenants are required to appoint Deputy Lieutenants within an establishment that varies according to the population of a county. In Gloucestershire a maximum of 50 Deputy Lieutenants may be appointed. They are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant, subject only to His Majesty not disapproving the Commission. The letters 'DL' appear after their names. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by the Lord -Lieutenant from among the Deputies.
The traditional links with the military have been preserved in the modern form in the association of the Lord-Lieutenant 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 wide spectrum of voluntary groups.
From the earliest days the Lord-Lieutenant has also been closely associated with the Magistracy, and until the nineteenth century he was appointed the Clerk of the Peace. Today the Lord-Lieutenant usually holds the office of Keeper of the Rolls.
More information about Lord-Lieutenants can be found on the British Monarchy website