Guidance for Receiving the Vice Lord-Lieutenant

It is important to follow an established protocol when the Vice Lord-Lieutenant attends events on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.

 

Traditional Protocol To Follow

If the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire is taking part in an official ceremony or occasion, such as an awards event or a procession, they should be given precedence over other guests.

 

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant should be met by a named person at a previously agreed time, taking their seat after all other guests and would usually be escorted for the duration of the visit.

 

Church Services

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant should always be the last person to enter the church at an official service, taking their seat slightly ahead of the start of the service. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant would traditionally be given a seat on the front row of the church. Following protocol, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant should leave ahead of other guests and immediately after the clergy.

 

At a funeral it is accepted that the Vice Lord-Lieutenant will be seated at the front of the church, on the opposing side to family members. Following the funeral service, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant will leave the church immediately after the family.

 

Addressing the Vice Lord-Lieutenant

When addressing the Vice Lord-Lieutenant the accepted protocol is as follows:

On introduction: Sir Francis Habgood, His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire

In writing: Sir Francis Habgood, QPM DL, His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire

Salutation: Dear Vice Lord-Lieutenant

In a speech preamble: Vice Lord-Lieutenant, ladies and gentlemen

Conversation, on formal occasions: Vice Lord-Lieutenant, followed thereafter by Sir Francis or Sir

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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:

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• Dress code

• Time and date

• Parking details (the Vice Lord-Lieutenant will arrive by car, for which a space must be provided)

• Accurate venue details

• Detailed notes for any speech the Vice Lord-Lieutenant is expected to deliver

• The name of the host who will be meeting the Vice Lord-Lieutenant

• Details of the meeting point.