Lieutenant is proud to serve Queen and country

12:40pm Thursday 28th February 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

For the past 15 years Henry Elwes has been working behind the scenes as the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. Charlotte Shepherd met the man who is the Queen's ceremonial representative in the county.

IF YOU are in any doubt about the patriotism of Henry Elwes, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, then a quick look at the St George flag flying outside his Colesbourne Estate office will steer you in the right direction.

Patriotism comes with the territory for a Lord Lieutenant, appointed by the Queen to "uphold the dignity of the Crown" within each county.

As Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire, Henry is not just loyal to Queen and country but also to his county. His family home at Colesbourne Park, famous for its snowdrops, was first established by John Elwes in 1789. "I am a Gloucestershire man through and through," he explained.

Henry was appointed in 1992 and is required to serve until his 75th birthday, in three years time.

He had no idea that he was to be endorsed as Lord Lieutenant - candidates do not stand for election for this unpaid office. The first he knew was when a letter arrived from the Prime Minister asking if he wanted to be recommended to the Queen for the "job".

"I thought it was a huge honour. Well, if the Queen asks you to make a cup of tea it's an honour isn't it?," he says.

Henry believes he was chosen because of his many years spent on the local and county council. "I know the county inside and out," he said.

This knowledge has stood him in good stead over the last 15 years in office.

Although Henry spent a few years in the Scots Guards it is no longer a requirement that a Lord Lieutenant must have a military background. However, the military links with the office are strong and Henry is president of the Territorial Army in the county and always takes a cadet with him on his ceremonial duties.

Anyone who believes that the Lord Lieutenant is there to merely shake hands and cut right ribbons will be surprised to find out that there is much more to the office than just pomp and circumstance.

One of the most important functions is that of senior magistrate of the county. Henry is involved in the interviewing and selection of magistrates and is responsible for ensuring that they maintain rigourous standards. "Occasionally you get a rotten apple who needs to be weeded out," he explained.

With 94 percent of all crime in the county dealt with by magistrates, Henry naturally sees this aspect of his work as tremendously important.

One of the other key aspects of the Lord Lieutenant office is arranging visits by members of the Royal family within the county.

Last year there were 30 such visits within Gloucestershire, more than in any other county, and the Lord Lieutenant's office had to deal with the fine print of every single one. "It nearly killed me,' Henry said.

Duties include presenting the Royal member to other dignitaries and making sure that the day runs smoothly and on time.

These tasks would be too much for one man, so Henry has a team assembled around him. As well as a Vice Lord Lieutenant, Major John Eyre, Henry has appointed 29 other deputies spread around the county who can attend functions on his behalf.

He describes these men and women as his "eyes and ears in the community".

Most are appointed because they have made a significant contribution within Gloucestershire. "They are a very diverse group but they all help Gloucestershire to function," Henry said.

As well as helping with Royal visits, Henry asks his deputies to take on a share of the citizenship ceremonies that take place in the county.

These ceremonies, introduced by David Blunkett in December 2003, are mandatory for all new British citizens who wish to receive a certificate of naturalisation.

"They are wonderful things," Henry said. It makes them feel welcome."

The tasks that Henry seems to relish most are those when, on behalf of the Queen, he is able to recognise the achievements of people within Gloucestershire. Three or four times a year he presents Queen's awards for industry and for volunteer groups. "It's very uplifting for the groups and the companies. You can't get better than an award from the Queen," Henry said.

So what will Henry find to do with his time when he hangs up his robes in three year's time?

"There is always lots to do," he said. And as a reminder of his days serving the Queen there will always be the snowdrop on Colesbourne Estate named Lord Lieutenant. "It stands up straight to attention," he explained.