Men or women of all backgrounds, they are appointed by The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Lord-Lieutenants were originally appointed in Henry VIII's reign to take over the military duties of the Sheriff and control the military forces of the Crown.

In 1662 they were given entire control of the militia, but the Forces Act of 1871 transferred this function back to the Crown.

Lord-Lieutenants are responsible for the organisation of all official Royal visits to their county.

On the day of an engagement they escort the Royal visitor around the different locations - not simply The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, but any member of the Royal Family.

Lord-Lieutenants also carry out other duties in their county, such as the presentation of decorations (where the recipient is unable to attend an Investiture), The Queen's Awards for Export and Technology, and Queen's Scout and Queen's Guide Awards.

Lord-Lieutenants are also responsible for ensuring that The Queen's Private Office is kept informed about local issues relating to their area, particularly when a Royal visit is being planned.

There are 98 Lord-Lieutenants, who cover all areas of the UK, from Shetland to Cornwall, County Tyrone to South Glamorgan.

Male Lord-Lieutenants wear a military-style navy blue uniform with scarlet stripes on the trousers and a scarlet band round the peaked cap. Women are still known as 'Lord'-Lieutenants, and a wear a brooch to indicate their office. Lord-Lieutenants retire at the age of seventy-five.