Protocol, etiquette and invitations

Protocol

The Lord-Lieutenant is HM The King’s personal representative within Hampshire. The Lord-Lieutenant should be received with the same degree of etiquette and protocol as would be extended to a member of the Royal Family.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant or a Deputy Lieutenant would attend an event in place of the Lord-Lieutenant if he was not able to be present. In this circumstance the same etiquette and protocol should be extended.

Etiquette

The correct forms of address for the Lord-Lieutenant are:

Written: Nigel Atkinson Esq, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire

Salutation: Dear Lord-Lieutenant

In a Speech: In the preamble the Lord-Lieutenant is referred to as ‘Lord-Lieutenant’ A speech might begin ‘Lord-Lieutenant, Ladies and Gentlemen’

Conversation: The Lord-Lieutenant should be addressed as ‘Lord-Lieutenant’ subsequently ‘Mr Atkinson’ or ‘Sir’

If the Lord-Lieutenant is represented by his Vice Lord-Lieutenant or a Deputy Lieutenant, the above etiquette should be adapted accordingly.

Invitations to the Lord-Lieutenant

The Lord-Lieutenant is always pleased to be invited to visit organisations throughout Hampshire – voluntary, statutory, or business.

Please give as much notice as possible.

Church Services

For church services other than funerals, the Lord-Lieutenant or his representative, enters last and leaves first, accompanied throughout by a senior figure. The usual arrangement is for the Lord-Lieutenant to be seated at the front of the nave on the right side.

At funerals, the process is slightly different and sensitive to the needs of the family. The Lord-Lieutenant, or his representative, enters the church last and leaves straight after the family. If the family is on the right side, the Lord-Lieutenant sits on the left side at the front and on the aisle edge.

Seating in General

At other functions, the Lord-Lieutenant, or his representative, should be seated in the same place as one would seat a member of the Royal Family; simply as the principal guest.

Other issues relating to protocol and precedence can be clarified in consultation with the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office.