The Lord-Lieutenant is His Majesty The King’s personal representative in the county. The appointment is made by The King on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lord-Lieutenant normally serves until retirement at 75 years of age.
Although the role is historic, the Lord-Lieutenants have a modern and practical role. They receive, support and accompany Royal visits. They present certain honours and awards on behalf of The King, promote the honours system and assess certain nominations. They encourage the voluntary and charitable sectors.
Many Lord-Lieutenants participate in citizenship ceremonies and chair the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committees which appoint magistrates. The specific role and functions performed by each Lord-Lieutenant vary widely depending on the Lieutenancy itself, the geography (i.e. physical size), population density, number of Royal visits and Lieutenancy engagements, economy and other factors.
Today, The Lord Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast is
Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ DDL (Hon QUB).