The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy

Our website will inform and update you about how His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant and the Bedfordshire Lieutenancy can support and represent all residents of the County.

The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy is here for all of us living within the county. This website explains the role of the Lord-Lieutenant, and what the Lieutenancy can do to benefit our community. In addition, you can learn more about the national honours and awards system which recognises voluntary service, individuals and local businesses. The Lord-Lieutenant represents all of us and has a duty to always uphold the dignity of the crown.

Mrs Susan Lousada was appointed as Lord-Lieutenant for Bedfordshire in 2022 to be the King’s personal representative in the county. Working together with a team of deputy lieutenants, Susan is passionate about shining a light on all that is good within our county, by supporting our diverse communities, celebrating our heritage and culture, and championing business and educational opportunities for all.

The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy is here for all of us, and seeks to foster community cohesion, increase awareness and cooperation, across all organisations and groups.

Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire
Susan Lousada was appointed Lord-Lieutenant in September 2022 and was previously a Deputy Lieutenant for five years. Born and educated in Bedfordshire, Susan has lived all but four years of her life in the county. She has over 20 years' experience of running a family business and continues to be a director of a property and investment company.
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Helping You
From requesting Royal and Lieutenancy Visits and landmark messages to making nominations for Honours and King's Awards - see how the Lieutenancy can help you.
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Lieutenancy Area
The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy covers Bedfordshire including the towns Bedford and Luton. Its aim is to promote its people, culture, diversity, heritage and history by serving its communities and encouraging engagement, voluntary service and achievement across all groups and sectors.
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Honours & Awards
The Lord-Lieutenant is sometimes called upon to make presentations on behalf of HM The King. Some National Awards, such as the OBE and MBE, may need to be presented locally if a recipient is unable to attend an investiture.
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Latest News & Events
Thu 14th November
Bedfordshire Honours Celebration and Presentation Ceremony
The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire joins community members awarded an honour in HM The King's Birthday Honours List
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Tue 30th July
Luton In Bloom - Judging Continues!
The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire joins judging panel for the Luton in Bloom competition
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Mon 8th July
Deputy Lieutenant Martin Darlow at facility opening at Lincroft Academy
Deputy Lieutenant, Martin Darlow joins students and staff members for the opening of a new state of the art drama and canteen facility at Lincroft Academy.
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Sun 30th June
Bedfordshire celebrates Armed Forces Day 2024
Bedfordshire celebrated Armed Forces Day 2024 with a memorable parade through Bedford town centre.
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Sat 29th June
Deputy Lieutenant Hannan Ali celebrates 10 years of Music24, Luton
Deputy Lieutenant, Hannan Ali, celebrates Music24 at their 10th Anniversary Celebration
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Thu 27th June
The Rededication of the North Porch at St. Paul's Church, Bedford
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Christopher Sharwood-Smith joined The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE Bishop of Bedford at the Rededication of the North Porch at St. Paul's Church, Bedford.
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Mon 24th June
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant joins members of the Armed Forces at Central Bedfordshire Council in a flag raising ceremony
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Christopher Sharwood-Smith joined members of the Armed Forces, Central Bedfordshire Council and the Royal British Legion to commemorate Armed Forces Day with a flag raising.
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Mon 24th June
Deputy Lieutenant, John Whatley joins members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and The Mayor of Bedfordshire in a flag raising ceremony
Deputy Lieutenant, John Whatley joins members of the Armed Forces, veterans and The Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton to commemorate Armed Forces Day with a flag raising.
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Sat 22nd June
Deputy Lieutenant Elizabeth Toogood attends the Alban Day Pilgrimage and Festival
Elizabeth Toogood, DL represents the Bedfordshire Lieutenancy at the St. Alban's, Alban Day Pilgrimage and Festival.
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Sun 9th June
80th Anniversary of D-Day - Multiple commemoration events in the County
The D-Day landings of 6 June 1944 was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe. This year there were many events in the County to encourage meaningful connections and celebrate the legacy of the whole D-Day generation.
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Thu 23rd May
The Bedfordshire Lieutenancy welcomes five new Deputy Lieutenants
The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire is delighted to welcome five new Deputy Lieutenants to the Bedfordshire Lieutenancy team.
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Fri 10th May
Annual Eid Milan Dinner
The Lord-Lieutenant and her husband Simon Lousada were invited to partake in the Annual Eid Milan Dinner by the Jamia Islamia Ghousia Trust in May 2024.
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Sun 11th February
Mark Hardy DL attends Ampthill Civic Service
Mark Hardy, DL and his wife joins the Ampthill Civic Service hosted by Susan Clinch, Mayor of Ampthill.
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Mon 5th February
Opening of Bedford Foodbank
Bedford Foodbank opens their new premises in Bedford. HM The Lord Lieutenant was joined by Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford, FACES Bedford & Love In A Bag, Bedford for the celebration.
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Sat 1st July
Bedfordshire winners of the King's Awards for Enterprise 2023
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, is delighted that three Bedfordshire-based companies are among the winners in the 2023 King’s Awards for Enterprise. Formerly known as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, these prestigious business awards are announced annually.
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Wed 26th April
Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the life of Sir Samuel Whitbread KCVO
Around 500 people came together on Wednesday 26th April at The County Church of St Paul in Bedford to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Sir Samuel Whitbread who passed away on Tuesday 17th January 2023.
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Tue 6th December
Royal Visit of HM The King to Luton
The King visited the Town Hall Luton, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Luton and DART Luton.
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Sat 1st October
The Queen’s Green Canopy
The Queen's Green Canopy project aimed to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and subsequently honoured Her Majesty’s memory following her death.
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Coronation Champions
The Coronation Champions have now been named.
Follow the link below to discover the outstanding people who go the extra mile in the community to make Bedfordshire a better place to live in.
Coronation Champions Awards
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