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Invitations to the Lord-Lieutenant
This page offers advice on inviting the Lord Lieutenant to an event in her official capacity, and where a member of the Royal Family will not be in attendance.This includes guidance on matters of protocol, precedence and ceremonial.
The Lord-Lieutenant welcomes invitations to attend events and to meet and see at first hand the work of individuals and organisations across Suffolk.
To avoid any disappointment, you are strongly advised to send invitations are far in advance as possible. In the first instance please send a letter to:
Clare, Countess of Euston
H.M. Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk
Lieutenancy Office
Endeavour House
Russell Road
Ipswich IP1 2AD
For further advice, please contact Sue Bennitt, Lieutenancy Assistant on [email protected]
The Role of the Lord-Lieutenant
The Lord-Lieutenant is the personal representative in Suffolk of His Majesty The King, and to uphold the dignity and respect held in that office, she should be accorded the same courtesy as if a member of the Royal Family were present.
Media
The Lord-Lieutenant welcomes the opportunity of her visit to encourage print, broadcast and social media coverage. Any comments you may wish her to make should be discussed and approved in advance by the Lieutenancy Office. Photographs of the Lord-Lieutenant at the event are also welcome, and we ask that they be shared with the Lieutenancy Office for use on our website or on Twitter.
Visits to Schools
The Lord-Lieutenant enjoys visiting schools and meeting young people. Opportunities during these visits to help young people better understand the role of the Lord-Lieutenant in Suffolk are always welcome.
Award Ceremonies
Where the Lord-Lieutenant is invited to present an award in a formal capacity, she does so on behalf of His Majesty The King. The Lord-Lieutenant should be seated to the right of the host if at a table, or with the host in the front row if seating is theatre style. If appropriate, speaking notes should be submitted in advance, together with clear advice on the programme for the event and the specific role the Lord-Lieutenant is being invited to fulfil.
Toasts and speeches
If you wish the Lord-Lieutenant to propose or respond to a Toast, or make a speech, prior notice should be given. Please provide draft speaking points, including any other information relevant to the event or occasion.
Church services
The Lord-Lieutenant should be met at the entrance by the most senior member of Clergy officiating or present, and escorted to the front pew on the right-hand side of the aisle. If she is accompanied, that person will stay with her at all times and be seated next to her.
The congregation should be invited to rise at the Lord-Lieutenant’s entry and upon her departure. The Lord-Lieutenant should enter the church immediately before the clergy and withdraw immediately after.
At funeral services, the Lord-Lieutenant will be received and seated according to the wishes of the next of kin. The normal protocol is for the Lord-Lieutenant to enter two minutes before the service begins and to leave after the family.
Order of Service
When the Lord-Lieutenant attends a Civic Service, consideration should be given to including her as The King’s personal representative in the Order of Service. This will assist the congregation to identify her, as well as ensuring that she is permitted to leave before the other dignitaries.
Taking the Salute
There will be occasions when the Lord-Lieutenant is invited to take the salute at a military event, either following a church service or on another formal occasion. It is customary for the host or person holding the most senior military rank to join the Lord-Lieutenant on the dais, although as a courtesy to stand one pace behind her.
Briefing
When the Lord-Lieutenant is attending an event, the Lieutenancy Office welcomes a short brief which may include some of the following:
- Date and timings
- Venue
- Car parking arrangements
- Meeting point and name of person to greet the Lord-Lieutenant
- Guest List
- Speech bullet points
- Background brief to organisation and any other relevant information
- Dress code
- Emergency contact number (in case of a problem prior to arrival or on the day)