The Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham is Her Majesty The Queen's personal representative in the county. The Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by Her Majesty, and the post is non-political, unpaid and held until retirement at the age of 75.
The Lord-Lieutenant is responsible for the present County Durham, plus those areas within the boundaries of Darlington Borough, Hartlepool Borough and that part of Stockton-on-Tees which is to the north of the River Tees.
The Lord-Lieutenant's duties include:
- Receiving royal visitors to the county.
- Representing Her Majesty The Queen in presenting medals, attending special church services, parades and events such as Remembrance Day Services.
- Presenting The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, The Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service and Medal Presentations for Honours when the recipient has elected to have his or her presentation within the county, instead of attending Buckingham Palace.
- Promoting awareness of the Honours system, The Queen's Awards to Industry, The Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service, and messages of congratulation from Her Majesty The Queen
