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State & Ceremonial

Mystery surrounding final Coronation appointments including the Lord High Steward

A number of senior appointments ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla have yet to be announced, with the big day little over a week away.

Buckingham Palace has been constantly releasing information about the occasion over the past few months, however, some details still remain a closely guarded secret.

One such role that has yet to be publicly filled is that of Lord High Steward – the most senior Great Officer of State.

The Lord High Steward ranks even higher in the order of precedence than the Prime Minister, and even the Lord High Chancellor.

The role always remains vacant, except on the day of the coronation of a monarch, when the Lord High Steward bears St Edward’s Crown at the service.

The role is one of the most significant of the Coronation. 

Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope was the last person to hold the office in 1953 for the Coronation of Elizabeth II.

It is also unknown who will serve as Lord High Constable – the seventh of the Great Officers of State.

This is another historic role, with the office only being filled on the day of a Coronation.

The last Lord High Constable was Viscount Alanbrooke for the Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.