Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey |
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Flag of the lieutenant governor of Guernsey
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Coat of arms of Guernsey
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| Style | His Excellency |
| Appointer | Monarch of the United Kingdom |
| Term length | At His Majesty's Pleasure |
The lieutenant governor of Guernsey is a very important person in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. They represent the British monarch (currently King Charles III) in this Crown dependency. Think of them as the King's main helper and spokesperson on the island.
The lieutenant governor acts as the de facto head of state for Guernsey. This means they perform many of the duties a head of state would, even though the King is the official head. They also help connect the governments of Guernsey and the United Kingdom. The person holding this job is also part of the States of Guernsey (Guernsey's parliament). However, they cannot vote on laws. They usually only speak when they first arrive or when they are leaving the role. Most of their work involves diplomatic tasks and ceremonial events. For example, they can appoint two members to the boards of Elizabeth College and the Priaulx Library.
The lieutenant governor has their own special flag in Guernsey. It is the Union Flag (the UK flag) with Guernsey's coat of arms added to it.
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History of the Lieutenant Governor Role
For a long time, the British Crown appointed people called Wardens or Keepers. Their job was to look after the Crown's interests in the Channel Islands. After 1473, separate Wardens were chosen for Guernsey and Jersey. Sometimes, they were also called Captains or Governors.
Around the early 1600s, the title of Governor became common. However, these Governors often chose a "lieutenant" (a helper) to do their duties when they were away. By the 1800s, the Governor of Guernsey job became less active. It was officially removed in 1835. Since then, only Lieutenant Governors have been appointed to represent the monarch.
In 2010, a new way to choose the next Lieutenant Governor was announced. Before, the UK government would recommend someone to the Crown. Now, a special panel in Guernsey helps pick the person. This panel includes the Bailiff of Guernsey, the Seigneur of Sark, and the President of the States of Alderney. They work with a human resources expert to make their choice. The first person chosen this way was Air Marshal Peter Walker. He started his role on April 15, 2011.
There is a special list of all the Governors and Lieutenant Governors of Guernsey. It goes all the way back to 1198. You can find this list at Government House.
Notable Lieutenant Governors of Guernsey
Here are a few examples of people who have served as Lieutenant Governor:
- 1689-1690: Colonel Sidney Godolphin
- 1704-1708: Sir Edmund Andros
- 1945: Rear-Adm. Charles Gage Stuart (Head of the British Military Government after the German occupation)
- 1945: Lt-Gen. Sir Philip Neame (First Lieutenant Governor after World War II)
- 2011–2015: Air Marshal Peter Walker (First chosen by the new Guernsey panel)
- 2022: Lt-Gen. Richard Cripwell (The current Lieutenant Governor)
A full list of all Lieutenant Governors from 1770 to today is available in a detailed table.
See also
- List of bailiffs of Guernsey
- List of governors of Guernsey
- List of bailiffs of Jersey
- List of lieutenant governors of Jersey
Sources
