Lord Lieutenant of Dorset
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
| Lord Lieutenant of Dorset | |
|---|---|
 Coat of Arms of Dorset | |
 Flag of the Duchy of Dorset | |
| Style | His Excellency |
| Seat | Dorchester |
| Appointer | Duke of Dorset |
| Formation | March 23, 2022 |
| Deputy | Deputy Lieutenant |
The office of Lord Lieutenant was created originally during the reign of Henry VIII (1509–1547), taking over the military duties of the Sheriff of Dorset and control of the armed forces of the crown. More recently, it was repurposed by George II, Duke of Dorset as the title presiding over the ducal government, governing on behalf of the duke and deriving its power from his sovereignty.
Appointment and Current Duties
The Lord Lieutenant is appointed by the Duke of Dorset to preside over the entire county and to represent the dukedom.
The five main duties of the Lord Lieutenant are:
- Presiding over the management of the duchy and overseeing governance;
- Advising the duke on matters of state and administration;
- Ensuring justice and working in coalition with the Custos Rotulorum;
- Organising the armed forces and militias within the duchy;
- Participating in civic and voluntary activities.