REQUEST A ROYAL VISIT
Members of the Royal Family make almost 3,000 visits across the United Kingdom each year. Buckinghamshire typically receives up to 20 Royal Visits each year. These visits cover a wide range of activity in the county. Visits may include official functions but visits also encompass many more informal occasions with plenty of opportunity for royal visitors to meet a broad spectrum of people.
A Royal visit is a very special occasion and it often marks an event with which a town, community, school, business or voluntary organisation has been or is still involved in. It is an opportunity to celebrate the different ways in which people have been involved in a special piece of work or occasion. These visits are an important part of the Royal Family’s role and are much valued by those organisations that are fortunate enough to receive such a visit.
The Lieutenancy is always involved in making the arrangements for a Royal visit to Buckinghamshire by a member of the Royal Family.
The Lieutenancy Office makes all the necessary planning arrangements directly with the Royal Household, the host organisation and the Police to ensure the visit is a success and is enjoyed by everyone involved.
The Lord-Lieutenant, or one of his deputies, is the first person to meet the visiting member of the Royal Family or Head of State and welcome them to Buckinghamshire and is the last to say goodbye. The Lord-Lieutenant attends the member of the Royal Family throughout his/her visit.
Extending an invitation
Invitations to members of the Royal Family may be made in a number of ways.
Invitations may be extended through the Lord-Lieutenant and may be submitted to specific members of the Royal Family on an organisations behalf. If in doubt the Lord-Lieutenant will advise as to who may be the most appropriate member of the Royal Family to approach.
Alternatively, invitations can be extended direct to the relevant Royal Household, via the Private Secretary. When using this route, it would be much appreciated if a copy of the invitation could be sent to the Lord-Lieutenant for his information. Include as much information as possible but try to keep it concise. The sort of information that will be needed will vary according to the type of invitation and the Assistant Clerk can advise on what is best to send.