Antrim Lieutenancy
Uniform, Badges and Etiquette
Uniform
The Lord-Lieutenant wears a dark blue No. 1 dress that was established in 1950.
It is similar to that of a Major-General in the Army, but distinguishable by the cap badges, shoulder straps and distinctive silver and crimson sash. It comprises a peaked forage cap with scarlet band, a dark blue barathea jacket and trousers with scarlet stripes. The badges vary according to the Country; shamrock for Ireland, thistle for Scotland, rose for England and the badge of the Heir Apparent for Wales. There is currently no uniform for lady Lord-Lieutenants so they wear a badge on ceremonial occasions.
Male Lord-Lieutenants also have the option to wear a Lord-Lieutenant’s Greatcoat, over their uniform. The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim wore this on Remembrance Day in 2019. To see an image, please click here.
Badges
VICE LORD-LIEUTENANT BADGE:
Lady Vice Lord-Lieutenants wear a similar badge to that worn by lady Lord-Lieutenants.
DEPUTY LIEUTENANT BADGE:
In plain clothes, a male Deputy Lieutenants (DLs) may wear a neck badge, when representing the Lord-Lieutenant. There is a uniform that DLs can wear, however this is rarely worn nowadays, with the badge being preferred. The Irish DL badge is distinguishable by the shamrocks, as seen in the images provided:
LADY DEPUTY LIEUTENANTS:
do not have an official uniform, when representing the Lord-Lieutenant they also wear a badge, but on a Court Bow, as seen in the second badge image provided.
Etiquette
The Lord-Lieutenant is The King’s personal representative in County Antrim. The Clerk of the Antrim Lieutenancy can advise on all aspects of protocols and procedures; please contact us here. There is also detailed written guidance available to hosts planning a visit from the Lord-Lieutenant or his representative.
Where the Lord-Lieutenant is unable to attend he may be represented by his Vice Lord-Lieutenant or a Deputy Lieutenant, where the same protocols and precedence should be followed.
How to address the Lord-Lieutenant
Written:
David McCorkell Esq, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim (can be abbreviated on envelopes to HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim)
Invitations:
The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim (and Mrs McCorkell, if a joint invitation)
Salutations:
Dear Lord-Lieutenant, or Dear Mr McCorkell
In Speech Preamble:
“My Lord-Lieutenant”
Conversation
(on formal occasions):
“Lord-Lieutenant” or “Mr McCorkell”
Local Order of Precedence
- His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County and spouse
- Officers of State (i.e.: Prime Minister; Secretary of State or Minister of State for NI; First Minister/deputy First Minister; Executive Minister)
- The High Sheriff of the County
- The Lord Mayor (where appropriate) / The elected Mayor
- The Deputy Mayor
- Chief Executive of the Council
- Members of Parliament (MPs)
- Aldermen
- Councillors
- Justices of the Peace (where appropriate)
- The Chief Constable
History of Lieutenancy
The office of Lord-Lieutenant is of military origin and can be said to date back to the reign of Henry VIII…
Roles and responsibilities
The Lord-Lieutenant is His Majesty’s personal representative for the County. Their primary duty is to…
Lord Lieutenant's Profile
Mr David McCorkell, was appointed as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim in June 2019 …