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, 7th Earl of Rosslyn, born on 31 March 1958, is a Scottish nobleman known for his work as a police officer and for his service to the Royal Family. He is also known professionally as Peter Loughborough.
As the Earl of Rosslyn, he is a peer, which is a high-ranking member of the British nobility. His family lands include the famous and historic Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. He currently serves as the Lord Steward of the Royal Household for King Charles III.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lord Rosslyn attended well-known schools, including Eton College and the University of Bristol. In 1977, when he was 19, he inherited the title of Earl of Rosslyn from his father.
Because of his title, he was given a seat in the House of Lords, which is one of the two houses of the British Parliament. He officially joined in 1980. In 1999, a new law called the House of Lords Act 1999 changed the rules, and most hereditary peers (nobles who inherit their titles) lost their seats. However, Lord Rosslyn was elected to stay as one of the few remaining hereditary peers.
A Career in the Police
In 1980, Lord Rosslyn joined the Metropolitan Police Service in London. He worked his way up through the ranks and became a chief inspector in the 1990s.
In 1994, he led a major undercover police operation that successfully cracked down on crime in west London.
From 2003 to 2014, he was the head of the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department. This special police unit is responsible for protecting the Royal Family and important diplomats from other countries. For his excellent service, he was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in 2009.
Working for the Royal Family
After a long career in the police, Lord Rosslyn began working directly for the Royal Family.
In March 2014, he was chosen to be the Master of the Household for Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and The Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Camilla) at their home, Clarence House. This is a very important job that involves managing the royal household.
In 2023, King Charles III appointed him as the Lord Steward of the Household. In this high-ranking role, he helps manage royal ceremonies and events. He played a part in the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023.
Family Life
Lord Rosslyn married Helen Watters in 1982. They have four children: two sons and two daughters. His daughter, Lady Alice St Clair-Erskine, is an actress.
His wife, Lady Rosslyn, is involved in the art world and runs the London Original Print Fair.
Honours and Medals
Lord Rosslyn has received several honours and medals for his public service and his work with the police and the Royal Family.
Country | Date | Appointment | Ribbon | Post-nominal letters | Notes |
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United Kingdom | 6 February 2002 | Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal | ![]() |
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United Kingdom | 2009 New Year Honours | Queen's Police Medal | ![]() |
QPM | Distinguished Service |
United Kingdom | 6 February 2012 | Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | ![]() |
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United Kingdom | 29 September 2015 | Commander of the Royal Victorian Order | ![]() |
CVO | |
United Kingdom | 6 February 2022 | Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal | ![]() |
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United Kingdom | 6 May 2023 | King Charles III Coronation Medal | ![]() |
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United Kingdom | Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal | ![]() |