Role of the Lord-Lieutenant

Role

The Lord-Lieutenant is the sovereign’s representative in the county. It is the Lord-Lieutenant’s foremost duty to uphold the dignity of the Crown, and to seek to foster community spirit by working with and encouraging voluntary and benevolent organisations and by taking an interest in the business and social life of the county.

The modern responsibilities of a Lord-Lieutenant include:

	Arranging visits of members of the Royal family and escorting Royal visitors;
	Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of the Sovereign such as the presentation of decorations (where the recipient is unable to attend an Investiture),
	advising on Honours nominations;
	Participation in civic, voluntary and social activities with the Lieutenancy;
	Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces;

The Lord-Lieutenant is also responsible for ensuring that The Queen's Private Office is kept informed about local issues relating to the area, particularly when a Royal visit is being planned. The organisation of all official Royal visits to Moray is the responsibility of the Lord Lieutenant who is expected to escort all members of the Royal Family during their visit - not simply The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

As the sovereign's representative in the county, the Lord-Lieutenant must remain non-political and not hold an office in any political party.

The Lord-Lieutenant is supported by a Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants whom he or she appoints. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant takes over when the Lord-Lieutenant is abroad or ill or otherwise incapacitated.

Male Lord-Lieutenants wear a military-style navy blue uniform with scarlet stripes on the trousers and a scarlet band round the peaked cap. Ladies are still known as 'Lord' Lieutenants, and wear a brooch to indicate their office.