Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire
The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy is here for to serve all of those living within the county and seeks to foster community cohesion, increase awareness and cooperation, across all organisations and groups.
His Majesty the King appoints a Lord Lieutenant for each county on the advice of the Prime Minister, having consulted widely across the county. The office of Lord Lieutenant is unpaid and the age of retirement is 75. Lord Lieutenants are not political figures.
Duties and responsibilies
Mrs Susan Lousada was appointed as Lord Lieutenant for Bedfordshire in 2022 to be the King's personal representative in the county. Working together with a team of Deputy Lieutenants and as the King's representative, the Lord Lieutenant may undertake the following duties:
- responsible for the arrangements for all Royal visits in the county, attending each visit and escorting the Royal visitor during the visit
- preparing the guest list for Royal Garden Parties
- advising on matters concerning the Crown
- advising on submissions for Honours nominations
- presenting decorations such as OBEs, MBEs and BEMs
- presenting awards, such as the King's Awards for Enterprise and the King's Award for Voluntary Service
- Keeper of the Rolls and chair the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee for the appointment of magistrates
As Bedfordshire's Lord Lieutenant, Susan is committed to shining a light on Bedfordshire's charity and voluntary sector, education and wellbeing organisations as well as its vibrant arts and entertainment venues and groups. Susan enjoys visiting the many voluntary and charity organisations, schools and businesses around the county and supporting Bedfordshire's diverse communities.
The Lieutenancy serves as an information point for the national honours and awards system which recognises voluntary service, individuals and local businesses. The Lord-Lieutenant represents all of us and has a duty to always uphold the dignity of the crown.
You can find out more about the honours and award system, how to request a Royal visit or an engagement with the Lord Lieutenant or a Deputy Lieutenant by following the quick links below.
Quick links
- 2012-2022 Helen Nellis CVO CStJ
- 1991-2012 Sir Samuel Whitbread KCVO JP
- 1978-1991 Lieutenant Colonel Hanmer Cecil Hanbury
- 1957-1978 Major Simon Whitbread
- 1943-1957 Lieutenant Colonel Dealtry C Part
- 1936-1943 George, 1st Baron Luke
- 1912-1936 Samuel Howard Whitbread
- 1905-1912 Beauchamp, 16th Baron St John
- 1861-1905 Francis, 7th Earl Cowper
- 1859-1861 Francis, 7th Duke of Bedford
- 1818-1859 Thomas, 3rd Baron Grantham, afterwards 2nd Earl de Grey and 5th Baron Lucas
- 1771-1818 John, 2nd Earl of Upper Ossory (died 1818)
- 1747-1771 John, 4th Duke of Bedford (died 1771)
- 1711-1740 Henry, 1st Duke of Kent (died 1740)
- 1701-1711 Wriothesley, 2nd Duke of Bedford (died 1711)
- 1700-1701 Lord Edward Russell during minority of Wriothesley, 2nd Duke of Bedford
- 1689-1700 William, 5th Earl and 1st Duke of Bedford (died 1700)
- 1685-1688 Thomas, 2nd Earl of Ailesbury
- 1667-1685 Robert, 1st Earl of Ailesbury (died 1685)
- 1646-1651 Henry, 10th Earl of Kent (died 1651)
- 1643-1646 Oliver, 4th Baron St John of Bletso, 1st Earl Bolingbroke (died 1646)