Lord-in-waiting
Lords-in-waiting (male) or baronesses-in-waiting (female) are
In the official Court Circular they are styled "Lord in Waiting" or "Baroness in Waiting" (without hyphenation).There are two kinds of lord-in-waiting: political appointees by the government of the day who serve as junior government
In addition, the honour of serving as a permanent lord-in-waiting is occasionally bestowed on very senior courtiers following their retirement. A permanent lord-in-waiting may also represent the sovereign, as often happens at funerals or memorial services for former courtiers.
Political appointments
Most baronesses and lords-in-waiting serve as government whips in the House of Lords. Being members of the government, they are appointed by the sovereign on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and invariably relinquish their position when there is a change of government.
Currently, there are five lords and baronesses-in-waiting who serve as junior whips in the House of Lords:[5][6]
Portfolio | Name | Since |
---|---|---|
Lord-in-waiting | The Lord Harlech | 22 September 2022 |
The Lord Caine (unpaid) | 24 November 2022 | |
The Lord Evans of Rainow | 1 January 2023 | |
The Lord Gascoigne | 14 November 2023 | |
The Lord Roborough | 1 December 2023 | |
Baroness-in-waiting | The Baroness Swinburne (unpaid) | 2 June 2023 |
Non-political appointments
Alongside the political appointees two non-political lords-in-waiting are always appointed,[1] at the personal discretion of the sovereign (distinguished from their political counterparts by the designation 'Personal Lord in Waiting').[7]
Those currently serving in this capacity are:[8]
Portfolio | Name | Since |
---|---|---|
Personal lord-in-waiting | The Viscount Brookeborough[9] | 1 May 1997 |
The Viscount Hood | 30 July 2008 |
Additional appointments
Any additional appointees are termed extra lords or baronesses-in-waiting.
Those currently serving in this capacity are:[10]
Portfolio | Name | Since |
---|---|---|
Extra baroness-in-waiting | The Baroness Rawlings | 2012 |
Extra lord-in-waiting | The Lord St John of Bletso | 19 March 1998 |
Permanent lords-in-waiting
Permanent lords-in-waiting are retired senior officials of the
Name | Since | Timeline |
---|---|---|
Lord Great Chamberlain of England | ||
The Marquess of Cholmondeley | 17 March 2023 | 1990–2022 |
Lord Chamberlain of the Household | ||
The Lord Luce | 16 July 2007 | 2000–2006 |
The Earl Peel | 1 April 2021 | 2006–2021 |
Private Secretary to the Sovereign | ||
The Lord Janvrin | 13 November 2007 | 1999–2007 |
The Lord Geidt | 4 March 2019 | 2007–2017 |
The Lord Young of Old Windsor | 15 May 2023 | 2017–2023 |
References
- ^ a b Tomlinson, Richard (20 Dec 1992). "They also serve, who only ush". Independent.
- ^ Court Circular, Buckingham Palace, 3 June 2019.
- ^ UK Parliament website biographical page
- ^ Court Circular, Buckingham Palace, 27 February 2019.
- ^ "His Majesty's Government: HM Household". UK Parliament. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ "Ministerial Appointments: September - October 2022". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ E.g. Court Circular, Buckingham Palace, 30 July 2008
- ^ Court Circular, Buckingham Palace
- ^ Biography on UK Parliament website
- ^ Court Circular, Buckingham Palace
- ^ Court Circular, Buckingham Palace