The Lord-Lieutenant of a County is the permanent local representative of Her Majesty The Queen in that County.  The appointment of Lord-Lieutenants is regulated by the Lieutenancies Act 1997.  They are appointed by the Sovereign on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, and the retirement age is 75.

The current Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire is Sir Andrew Buchanan, Bt.  He lives with his wife Lady (Belinda) Buchanan DL at Hodsock Priory, Blyth near Worksop, a property which has belonged to his family since 1765.

The office of the Lord-Lieutenant dates from 1557 and its holder was originally responsible for the maintenance of law and order and for local defence in the County.  In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Lord-Lieutenant usually holds the office of Custos Rotulorum, and as such he acts as head of the County's Commission of the Peace, which recommends the appointments of Magistrates to the Lord Chancellor.

The most important role of the Lord-Lieutenant is to be responsible for all aspects of visits to the County of Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal family.  In this role he is closely supported by his Officer at County Hall and by the County's Police Force.

He also acts on behalf of Her Majesty presenting certain medals and Queen's Awards to Industry.  He represents The Queen on many other County occasions and functions, and has involvement with many charities and voluntary organisations.  He also has a close relationship with the Reserve Forces in the County.

The Lord-Lieutenant no longer has responsibility for law and order, but the duties are very time-consuming.  It is difficult to fulfil the role unless the Lord-Lieutenant is either self-employed or retired.

Traditionally, Lord-Lieutenants were male, probably titled, and often retired senior officers in the Armed Forces.  Lord-Lieutenants are now appointed from a wider section of the community after local consultation and are often ladies.

They are unpaid, but receive minimal allowances for secretarial help, mileage allowance and a driver.  Male Lord-Lieutenants receive an allowance for the ceremonial uniform, worn when receiving members of the Royal family and on other formal occasions.  There is no uniform for female Lord-Lieutenants.

The Lord-Lieutenant is supported by a Vice Lord-Lieutenant and by Deputy Lieutenants.  The Vice Lord-Lieutenant in Nottinghamshire is Mrs Jenny Farr, who takes over from the Lord-Lieutenant when he is abroad or ill or otherwise incapacitated.

The Lord-Lieutenant appoints Deputy Lieutenants who are ladies and gentleman who have rendered particular service to the County in a variety of fields.   The Lord-Lieutenant asks them to represent him at a variety of functions if he is unable to attend.

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