Visits from the Lord-Lieutenant

This information is provided to assist those who are planning an event to which the Lord-Lieutenant, or his representative, has been (or is to be) invited.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall is His Majesty The King’s representative and therefore he should be received at any formal event with the same degree of etiquette and protocol as any member of the Royal Family. If, for any reason, the Lord-Lieutenant is unable to attend an event to which he has been invited and he is represented by his Vice Lord-Lieutenant, or a Deputy Lieutenant, the same etiquette and protocol should be followed. The Lord-Lieutenant, or his deputy, should be met on arrival by the host.

The Invitation

The Lord-Lieutenant is always delighted to receive invitations to attend events.  He tries to respond to such invitations as quickly as possible.  On occasions, especially if the invitation is a long way ahead, he may not be able to give you a reply for some time, or not a definite one.  If he is unable to attend, depending on the event, he may invite a DL to represent the Lieutenancy.

Prior to the Event

Please ensure that, at least 10 days in advance of the visit, the Lord-Lieutenant is briefed on what will happen.  In particular, please ensure the following questions are answered:

1. Programme and Timings. Please provide a programme for the event with details of timings and how else will be attending.  When would you like the Lord-Lieutenant to arrive?
2. Directions.  Is the location of the event easy to find?  Does satnav lead you to the correct place or are there special directions?
3. Parking.   Will a parking space be provided at the location?  If not, where should the Lord-Lieutenant park?
4. Telephone.  Please supply the mobile telephone number of someone who will be able to answer it at the time of the event, in case of unexpected delay due to traffic or other problems.
5. Order of Dress.  What is the order of dress for the event?  Depending on the type of event it is, the Lord-Lieutenant may wear uniform, morning dress, a suit or more casual clothing.  He is open to suggestions as to what would be the most appropriate order of dress.
6. Speeches.  Would you like the Lord-Lieutenant to make a speech during the visit?  If so, please provide details of length of speech, any particular topics you would like covered or people thanked, and whether other people will also be speaking.

Church Services

For church services other than funerals, the Lord-Lieutenant or his representative, enters last and leaves first, with the congregation standing and accompanied throughout by a senior figure. The usual arrangement is for the Lord-Lieutenant to be seated at the front of the nave on the south side. At funerals, the Lord-Lieutenant or his representative always enters the church last (two minutes before the start of the service and before the coffin) and always leaves straight after the family. If the family is on the south side, the Lord-Lieutenant sits on the north side at the front and on the aisle edge.

Taking the Salute at a March Past.  Unless a member of the Royal Family is present, the Lord-Lieutenant, as The King’s Representative, takes the salute at any march past during any official engagement he is attending.

Wreath Laying.   At all services of remembrance the Lord-Lieutenant attends, where wreaths are to be laid, as The King’s Representative he should lay the first wreath.

Seating in General

At other functions, the Lord-Lieutenant, or his representative, should be seated in the same place as one would seat a member of the Royal Family; simply as the principal guest.