Charles Hay, 16th Earl of Kinnoull facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Kinnoull
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Official portrait, 2023
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| Convenor of the Crossbench Peers | |
| Assumed office 28 April 2023 |
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| Preceded by | The Lord Judge |
| Member of the House of Lords | |
| as an elected hereditary peer 6 February 2015 |
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| By-election | 6 February 2015 |
| Preceded by | The 21st Lady Saltoun |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 December 1962 |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse |
Clare Crawford
(m. 2002) |
| Children |
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| Parents |
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| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
| Occupation | Barrister |
Charles William Harley Hay, the 16th Earl of Kinnoull (born December 20, 1962), also known as Viscount Dupplin before 2013, is a Scottish nobleman. He is a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. He sits as a "Crossbencher," meaning he doesn't belong to any political party. Since April 2023, he has been the leader of the Crossbench Peers.
About the Earl
The Earl of Kinnoull went to Eton College and then studied chemistry at Christ Church, Oxford University. He became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer, in 1990. For 25 years, he worked for an insurance company called Hiscox. He also manages a farm in Perthshire, Scotland.
He has been a member of The Queen's Bodyguard for Scotland since 2000. This is a special ceremonial unit.
Becoming a Peer
Charles became the Earl of Kinnoull when his father, the 15th Earl, passed away on June 7, 2013.
In 2015, he was chosen to join the House of Lords in a special election for hereditary peers. Hereditary peers are people who inherit their title and, in some cases, a seat in the House of Lords. He took his seat after Lady Saltoun of Abernethy retired.
His Work in Parliament
On March 19, 2015, the Earl gave his first speech in the House of Lords. This is called a "maiden speech." He spoke about a report from the Science & Technology Committee.
In June 2015, he joined the Select Committee on Social Mobility. This committee looks at ways to help people improve their lives. In 2016, he worked on a committee for the Trade Union Bill.
In May 2016, he became part of the Select Committee on the European Union and the Justice Sub-Committee. In September 2019, he became the Chair of the European Union Committee. He also became a Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords. A Deputy Speaker helps lead debates and keep order.
In January 2022, he was appointed Vice Chair of the UK delegation to the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly. This group works with both the European and UK Parliaments. He led the House of Lords part of this delegation.
In April 2023, he became the Convenor of the Crossbench Peers. This is an important leadership role for the non-party political members. Because of this new role, he stepped down from his other committee roles in June 2023. He also joined the House of Lords Commission, which helps manage the House of Lords.
Other Roles
In June 2017, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became the commanding officer of the Atholl Highlanders. This is a private army that belongs to the Duke of Atholl.
In January 2018, he was appointed a deputy lieutenant of Perth and Kinross. This is a local ceremonial role.
Family Life
The Earl of Kinnoull is the son of the 15th Earl of Kinnoull and Ann Lowson.
In 2002, he married Clare Crawford. They have four children:
- Lady Alice Hay (born September 25, 2003)
- Lady Catriona Hay (born September 25, 2003)
- Lady Auriol Hay (born March 15, 2007)
- William Hay, Viscount Dupplin (born June 24, 2011)
Charity Work
The Earl is involved in several charities:
- He is the president of the Royal Caledonian Ball Trust. This trust organizes an annual event to raise money for Scottish charities.
- He is the chairman of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. This trust works to protect red squirrels.
- He is also the chair of Culture Perth & Kinross. This trust manages museums and libraries in the Perth & Kinross area.
