Protocol

The Lord-Lieutenant is The King’s personal representative in Berkshire.

The Lieutenancy Office is able to give advice on all aspects of protocols and procedures. There is also detailed written guidance available to hosts planning a visit from the Lord-Lieutenant or his representative. When attending events as the representative of The King, the Lord-Lieutenant must be received with the etiquette and protocol that would be extended to a member of the Royal Family. When attending an official ceremony or formal occasion on behalf of The King, the Lord-Lieutenant takes precedence over all other civic dignitaries and guests.

On arrival, the Lord-Lieutenant should be received by a named person, usually the host, and should continue to be accompanied throughout the entire engagement. The Lord-Lieutenant will arrive at a designated time that is slightly later than the other guests and should be the last person to take their seat.

Where the Lord-Lieutenant is unable to attend and is represented by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, or a Deputy Lieutenant, the same etiquette and protocol is followed.

How to address the Lord-Lieutenant

Written: Andrew Try Esq., His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire.

Salutation: Dear Lord-Lieutenant, or Dear Mr Try.

Spoken:· A speech might begin: “Lord-Lieutenant, Ladies and Gentlemen….”

Conversation: The Lord-Lieutenant is addressed as “Lord-Lieutenant” or “Mr Try”.

Note: Lieutenant is pronounced “LEF-tenant” not “LEW-tenant“.

How should I address Members of the Royal Family?

On presentation to The King, the correct formal address is Your Majesty and subsequently Sir.

On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is Your Majesty and subsequently Ma’am (rhymes with jam).

For female Members of the Royal Family who hold the title Her Royal Highness: Your Royal Highness·on the first occasion and subsequently Ma’am.

For male Members of the Royal Family who hold the title His Royal Highness: Your Royal Highness on the first occasion and subsequently Sir.

Should I bow or curtsy when being introduced to a Member of the Royal Family?

There are no obligatory codes of behaviour – just courtesy.

However, many people wish to observe the traditional forms of greeting.

For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.