Invitations to the Lord-Lieutenant

How to invite the Lord-Lieutenant, or one of his Deputies, to an event.

The Lord-Lieutenant is always pleased to be invited to visit voluntary, statutory, or business organisations in Berkshire. Invitations should be sent to him via the Lieutenancy Office.

The Lord-Lieutenant is not able to accept all invitations·because of volume and time constraints, but·it is sometimes possible for the Vice Lord-Lieutenant or a Deputy Lieutenant to attend on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant or Deputy Lieutenant should then be accorded the precedence due to the Lord-Lieutenant.

Scope of Events
The Lord-Lieutenant and his deputies attend events on behalf of The King and promote charitable and voluntary work in Berkshire. They also attend military events supporting the army, navy and air force but also the Royal British Legion, the TA, Reserve Forces and cadets. They support the emergency services.

They attend civic and religious events such as civic dinners, mayor makings, church installations and faith celebrations. Youth and education is another important interest. By attending the events, the Lieutenancy is able to understand more fully what each organisation entails and how best it may support and add value.

Etiquette and protocol
The Lord-Lieutenant represents The King. When the Lord-Lieutenant is attending in an official capacity in Berkshire he is received with broadly the same protocol as a member of the Royal Family. He takes precedence over other civic dignitaries or guests at official events and is to be met on arrival by the host.

The Lord-Lieutenant has a Vice Lord-Lieutenant, and 29 Deputy Lieutenants all of whom support the Lord-Lieutenant in the performance of his public duties. Where the Lord-Lieutenant is unable to attend and is represented by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, or a Deputy Lieutenant, the same etiquette and protocol is followed.

Forms of Address

• Written:·Andrew Try, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire

• Salutation:·Dear Lord-Lieutenant,

• Spoken:·A speech might begin: “Lord-Lieutenant, Ladies and Gentlemen….”

• Conversation:·he is addressed as “Lord-Lieutenant” or “Mr Try”.

The Lieutenancy Officer can advise on invitations and all matters of protocol.

© Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire 2023 | Office of the Lieutenancy for Berkshire, Berkshire Record Office, 9 Coley Avenue, Reading, Berkshire RG1 6AF | Telephone 0118 937 2281 | lord.lieutenant@reading.gov.uk