The Lord-Lieutenant leads the Merseyside Lieutenancy in proactively supporting people, groups, communities, businesses and organisations that live, work, and volunteer in the region, and works to support those that wish to celebrate Merseyside’s rich culture, heritage, and diversity. The Lord-Lieutenant undertakes the following responsibilities:
- The planning of Royal Visits and the escorting of members of the Royal family when they visit Merseyside
- The presentation of honours and awards on behalf of The King
- Reviewing and advising on honours nominations
- Representing The King at local events
- Chairman of the Advisory Committee that recommends the appointment of Magistrates to the Lord Chancellor
The Lord-Lieutenant also has a role and active involvement in:
- The King’s Awards for Enterprise
- The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
- Co-ordinating invitations to Buckingham Palace Garden Parties
- The King’s birthday messages and greetings, for example those who have reach 100 years of age, and of congratulatory messages to couples on their 60th or 65th wedding anniversary
The Lord-Lieutenant appoints a Vice Lord-Lieutenant. The Vice Lord Lieutenant, or one of the Deputy Lieutenants, will assume responsibilities if the Lord-Lieutenant is unavailable.
Deputy Lieutenants support the work of the Lieutenancy, and the number of Deputies appointed is in proportion to the population of the county of Merseyside. Deputy Lieutenants retire at the age of 75.