Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Sir Martin White KCVO CB CBE, is to retire from his role in March next year, it has been announced by the Prime Minster’s Office today (Tuesday).
Sir Martin was appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the Island in 1999 before becoming the Lord-Lieutenant in 2006. Over the past 12 years he has attended hundreds of events in his official capacity and accompanied many Royals on their visits to the Isle of Wight. He has been a solid representative for Queen and country.
The Queen has appointed Mrs Susan Sheldon DL (pictured above) as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight and she will succeed Sir Martin when he retires on 25th March 2019.
Mrs Sheldon has lived full time on the Isle of Wight since 1994 and was High Sheriff in 2011. She is a Trustee of The Isle of Wight Sports Foundation and is also a Trustee of the Royal Yacht Squadron Isle of Wight Foundation. Mrs Sheldon is Chairman of the Isle of Wight branch of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).
Lord-Lieutenants are Her Majesty’s representatives as such must uphold the dignity of the Crown. Essentially non-political, the Lord-Lieutenant’s role is a varied one in the community of which the ceremonial aspect is only one part. Lord-Lieutenants give their time to the office voluntarily.
Responsibilities include planning all Royal visits to the Island, presenting medals and awards on behalf of The Queen, advising on submissions for honours nominations, nominating Island residents for Royal Garden Parties and advising on matters concerning the Crown.
