The Lord-Lieutenant role and profile

Lieutenancy Badges and Uniforms

History

Royal Badges as heraldic forms were first adopted by monarchs in England in 1154 by Henry II (1154 – 1189), but it was not until Henry IV (1399 – 1413) that a rose appeared, firstly as the Red Rose of Lancaster and later as the White Rose of York in Edward IV's reign (1461-1483).

It was Henry VII (1485 - 1509) who combined these two roses, introducing the Tudor Rose to which a crown was sometimes added.

The Tudor Rose continues to symbolise England and is seen in a number of different settings such as the dress uniforms of the Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London, the British 20p coin (1982 – 2008) and the Royal Cost of arms of the UK, as well as the insignia of the Lieutenancy.

The Lord Lieutenant’s Uniform and Badge

A female Lord Lieutenant does not wear a uniform, but has an enamelled badge which depicts the Tudor Rose surmounted by a crown worn on a court bow of the Lieutenancy colours, white and magenta. There are 16 female Lord Lieutenants in England and Wales out of a total of 55 (2015). This badge indicates that the Lord Lieutenant is HM the Queen’s representative in Bedfordshire.

Since at least the 18th century, male Lord Lieutenant’s have worn a military-style uniform. At present, it is a dark blue barathea uniform, with trousers having a scarlet stripe, with a cap in the style of a General Officer's Army No. 1 dress (but with buttons, shoulder-boards, sash etc. in silver rather than gold). The buttons and cap badge bear a crown above a Tudor Rose. The uniform includes a sword and spurs.

Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenant’s Uniform and Badge

The uniform for a male Vice Lord Lieutenant is of a similar style to a Lord Lieutenant’s, but with features to distinguish it from that of a Lord Lieutenant.

Deputy Lieutenants from a military background are also permitted to wear uniform or in some cases their service dress. On formal occasions, male Deputy Lieutenants wear morning dress and top hats.

Non-military Deputy Lieutenants are able to wear a badge which features a Tudor Rose, but without a crown, when representing the Lord Lieutenant. Female Deputy Lieutenants wear the badge on a court bow and male Deputy Lieutenant wears the badge on a neck ribbon. Both ribbons are in the Lieutenancy colours.