History

The office of Lord Lieutenant is of military origin and dates back to the time of Henry VIII when he was appointed for the maintenance of law and order and for the raising of the militia.

The military role has largely disappeared, but links are maintained by association with Volunteer Reserve Forces and with the Army Cadet Force, the Air Training Corps and the Sea Cadet Corps together with other uniformed organisations such as the Fire, Police and Ambulance services and various volunteer bodies.

The duties of the Lord Lieutenant

The Lord Lieutenant is appointed by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister and is Her Majesty's personal representative in Hertfordshire.

Her prime duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown. Within that remit, the Lord Lieutenant will exercise the following functions:

1. Arrange visits by members of the Royal family and escort Royal visitors
2. Present medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty
3. Participate in civic, voluntary and social activities within Hertfordshire
4. Liase with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces
5. Lead the Magistracy by chairing the Advisory Committee for the appointment of Justices of the peace and for the Appointment of the General Commissioners of Income Tax

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