Guidance for Receiving the Deputy Lieutenant

On occasions where one of Buckinghamshire's Deputy Lieutenants attends an event on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant they should be afforded the same respect as a member of the Royal Family.

Traditional Protocol To Follow

The Deputy Lieutenant will be given precedence over all other guests when no member of the Royal Family is present. This applies to all official ceremonies, such as awards events and official processions.

The Deputy Lieutenant should always be greeted by a designated person, often the host, and it is expected that they will remain accompanied for the duration of the event.

Accepted protocol sees the Deputy Lieutenant arrive shortly after other guests and they should take their seat last

Church Services

The Deputy Lieutenant should be the last person to enter and take their seat at an official church service, just ahead of the clergy. They would expect to be seated on the front row of the church. It is custom for the Deputy Lieutenant to exit the church before other guests, and immediately after the clergy, following the service.

When a Deputy Lieutenant attends a funeral, they should be seated at the front of the church, but opposite family members. At a funeral service the Deputy Lieutenant should leave directly after the family

Addressing a Deputy Lieutenant

When addressing a Deputy Lieutenant the accepted protocol is as follows:

On introduction: Deputy Lieutenant (followed by their name)

In writing: By name (using the post nominal DL), 

Salutation: Dear Deputy Lieutenant (or their name)

In a speech preamble: Deputy Lieutenant, ladies and gentlemen

Conversation, on formal occasions: Deputy Lieutenant followed thereafter by name / sir / madam

Necessary Details

To allow events to run smoothly for the comfort of everyone, it is important to provide all the necessary details of the visit in advance including:

• Dress code

• Time and date

• Parking details

• Accurate venue details

• Detailed notes for any speech the Deputy Lieutenant is expected to deliver

• The name of the host who will be meeting the Deputy Lieutenant

• Details of the meeting point.