ROYAL VISITS TO SUFFOLK - some helpful advice
Members of the Royal Family are frequent visitors to Suffolk, taking an active interest in many aspects of life and work in the county, including civic, military, commercial, education, voluntary, charitable and health and social activities.
Invitations to members of the Royal Family to visit Suffolk are made by the Lord-Lieutenant, or on her advice, and are always coordinated through the Lieutenancy office.
If you would like to extend such an invitation, or would like some helpful advice on doing so, please in the first instance, contact the Lieutenancy office.
Inviting a Member of the Royal Family to an event
Invitations to members of the Royal Family can be made either to the Lord-Lieutenant or direct to the relevant Private Secretary, with a copy to the Lord-Lieutenant. For further information about Members of the Royal Family and the charities and organisations they support please visit the British Monarchy website.
Invitations extended through the Lord-Lieutenant may request a specific member of the Royal Family. If in doubt the Lord-Lieutenant will be pleased to advise on who may be the most appropriate member to approach. It is always advisable to consult the Lord-Lieutenant at the earliest opportunity as the diaries of members of the Royal Family are organised many months in advance.
The letter of invitation should include as much information as possible, including about the special occasion or anniversary you wish to celebrate and its significance to the life and work of the county - and possibly beyond.
When to make the invitation
All invitations received are very carefully considered. Your invitation should be sent at least six months ahead of the proposed visit and about a year ahead if it is for a special occasion on a particular day. For advice, please contact the Lieutenancy Office.
Planning for a Royal Visit
Planning for a Royal Visit will involve a lot of detailed work in close liaison the Royal Household and the Lieutenancy office. We will consult with you to confirm a date and outline the planning process to make sure the visit is as enjoyable and successful as possible. The Lieutenancy office will be pleased to give guidance and support to you throughout the planning process and on the day of the visit.
If your invitation is not successful
The King and other members of the Royal Family make a total of around 3,000 visits every year across the UK and beyond. Thousands of invitations are received each year and inevitably it is not possible for them all to be accepted. It is more about pressure of time and is not a reflection on your organisation. Instead, you may wish to invite the Lord-Lieutenant who is The King's personal representative in Suffolk, and who will be delighted to hear from you.
For further information and to request a copy of the guidance note for Royal Visits please contact the Lieutenancy office.