Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Rosslyn
CVO QPM
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| Lord Steward of the Household | |
| Assumed office 22 February 2023 |
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| Monarch | Charles III |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Dalhousie |
| Member of the House of Lords | |
| as a hereditary peer 22 November 1977 – 11 November 1999 |
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| Preceded by | The 6th Earl of Rosslyn |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| as an elected hereditary peer 11 November 1999 |
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| Election | 1999 |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Peter St Clair-Erskine
31 March 1958 |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Crossbencher |
| Spouse |
Helen Watters
(m. 1982) |
| Children | James St Clair-Erskine, Lord Loughborough Lady Alice St Clair-Erskine The Hon. Harry St Clair-Erskine Lady Lucia St Clair-Erskine |
| Parents | Anthony St Clair-Erskine, 6th Earl of Rosslyn Athenais de Mortemart |
| Occupation | Courtier, police officer |
Peter St Clair-Erskine, the 7th Earl of Rosslyn, was born on March 31, 1958. He is also known professionally as Peter Loughborough. He is a Scottish noble and a police officer.
Currently, he serves as the Lord Steward of the Royal Household. This means he is a very important person in the King's household. He is also the Personal Secretary to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Before this, he was a high-ranking officer, a Commander, in the Metropolitan Police in London. His family's lands include the famous Rosslyn Chapel.
Early Life and Education
Peter St Clair-Erskine attended Ludgrove School and Eton College. He later studied at the University of Bristol.
In 1977, when he was 19, he inherited his family's noble titles. He became a member of the House of Lords on January 15, 1980. The House of Lords is part of the UK Parliament.
In 1999, a new law changed how the House of Lords worked. Most hereditary peers, like him, could no longer automatically be members. However, he was one of 28 peers elected to stay in the House of Lords. These elected peers are called "Crossbenchers."
Even though he was a member for many years, he spoke only once and voted five times. All his votes were about changing the House of Lords itself.
Career Highlights
Lord Rosslyn joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1980. He was encouraged to join by a relative who was also a detective. He rose through the ranks, becoming a chief inspector in the 1990s.
From 2003 to 2014, he led a special police unit. This unit was called the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department. Their job was to protect the Royal Family and important diplomats. He was known as a trusted police officer.
In 2009, he received the Queen's Police Medal for his excellent service. Some people even said he was Queen Elizabeth II's "favourite policeman."
In March 2014, Lord Rosslyn started working for the Royal Family in a new way. He became the Master of the Household for King Charles III (who was then The Prince of Wales) and Queen Camilla (then The Duchess of Cornwall). He worked at their home, Clarence House.
On September 29, 2014, he was given another special honour. He was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This award recognized his service as head of the Royalty and Specialist Protection Department.
On February 22, 2023, King Charles III appointed him as the Lord Steward of the Household. This is a very important role in the Royal Household. He also became the Personal Secretary to the King and Queen. In this role, he played a part in the Coronation in 2023.
Family Life
Lord Rosslyn married Helen Watters in 1982. They have four children together. Their children include two sons and two daughters. One of their daughters is the actress Lady Alice St Clair-Erskine.
Lady Rosslyn, his wife, manages the London Original Print Fair. This is an event that showcases original artworks.
Honours and Awards
Lord Rosslyn has received several honours and medals for his service. These awards recognize his dedication as a police officer and his work for the Royal Family.
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Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
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Queen's Police Medal (QPM)
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Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002)
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Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
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Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022)
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King Charles III Coronation Medal (2023)
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Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
