History and Role of the Lieutenancy

His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenants are the representatives of The Crown for each county in the United Kingdom. Men or women of all backgrounds, they are appointed by The King on the advice of the Prime Minister. It is their foremost duty to uphold the dignity of The Crown, and in so doing they seek to promote a spirit of co-operation and good atmosphere by the time they give to voluntary and benevolent organisations and by the interest they take in the business and social life of their counties.

Lord-Lieutenants were originally appointed in Henry VIII's reign, in the 1540s, to take over the military duties of the Sheriff and control the military forces of The Crown. In 1662 they were given entire control of the militia. The official title of the office at this time was His or Her Majesty's "lieutenant for the county of x", but as almost all office-holders were peers they were referred to as "lord lieutenant". The Forces Act of 1871 transferred command of militias back to The Crown and over subsequent years the emphasis shifted towards today's ceremonial role and wider involvement with communities throughout the country.

There are 98 Lord-Lieutenants, who cover all areas of the UK, from Shetland to Cornwall, County Tyrone to South Glamorgan. As the sovereign's representative in his or her county, the Lord-Lieutenant remains non-political and does not hold office in any political party. They are appointed for life, although the customary age of retirement is seventy-five.

Lord-Lieutenants are responsible for the organisation of all official Royal visits to their county. On the day of an engagement they escort the Royal visitor around the different locations — not simply The King and Queen Consort, but any member of the Royal Family.

Lord-Lieutenants also carry out other duties in their county, such as the presentation of decorations (where the recipient is unable to attend an Investiture), The King's Awards for Enterprise, and Queen's Scout and Queen's Guide Awards. As well as taking a particular interest in the armed forces (including ex-Service men and women and their families), Lord-Lieutenants have a close association with the magistracy and higher courts in their areas — thus demonstrating the maintenance of historical links.

Lord-Lieutenants are also responsible for ensuring that The King's Private Office is kept informed about local issues relating to their area, particularly when a Royal visit is being planned.

There are up to 45 Deputy Lieutenants in Oxfordshire who are able to represent the Lord-Lieutenant as required, and assist in the work of the Lieutenancy. The Lieutenancy plays no part in politics.

The Lord-Lieutenant presents medals on the Monarch’s behalf when directed to do so.

The Oxfordshire Lieutenancy supports the King’s Awards for Voluntary Service across the County and The Lord-Lieutenant presents the King’s Award for Enterprise, organised by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, on The King’s behalf.

The Lieutenancy’s aim is to support The Monarch in celebrating Oxfordshire, its unique history and culture, serve its communities – and contribute positively to its future.