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Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen appoints her first black female Lord-Lieutenant

The Queen has appointed Peaches Golding OBE to become her latest Lord-Lieutenant, making her the first black female to hold the position in its 1000 year history.

The 64-year-old will replace current Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, Mary Prior when she retires at the end of April.

Photo Credit: Peaches Golding via Wikimedia Commons CC

Mrs Golding was formerly Bristol’s High Sheriff and will be responsible for representing The Queen at official engagements in the future.

Speaking of her appointment, Mrs Golding said: “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to be appointed by The Queen to the ancient and historic role of Lord-Lieutenant. As The Queen’s personal representative in the County, I look forward to recognising the contributions of those in the voluntary sector within our communities, to celebrating the enterprise, innovation and creativity of our strong and diverse businesses and to showing our appreciation to those that keep us safe from harm.

“I have a deep affection for the City and citizens of Bristol, and this will enable me to build bridges and networks across our City for the interest and welfare of Bristol. May I also thank Mrs Mary Prior CVO MBE, the current Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, for her tireless dedication to, and enormous achievements in, the service of The Queen.”

Mrs Golding is the daughter of an American D-Day veteran and civil rights campaigner, Charles Hauser, who challenged a bus company after being made to move to the back of a bus because of his skin colour.

He was successful in court and was awarded $2,000 which he spent on a car – delighted he would never have to travel on a bus ever again.

The role of Lord-Lieutenant is now largely a ceremonial one. Duties include arranging royal visits and attending events on behalf of The Queen.

Customarily, Lord-Lieutenants retire once they reach the age of 75.

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