Page 12 - Yearbook issue try out
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Sword of honour
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MATT EGLIN meets Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Her Majesty The Queen’s
personal representative for Greater London
IR Kenneth Olisa OBE is Lord-Lieutenant
of Greater London, Past Master of WCIT, a
SKnight of the Realm and a hugely successful
businessman.
His role is military in origin, dating back 500 years
to Henry VIII, and is steeped in tradition. Lord-
Lieutenants are the personal representatives of
the monarch, and every UK ceremonial county has
one. Greater London is the largest – extending to all
32 boroughs (though not to the City itself).
The role has always centred on upholding the
dignity of the Crown, which originally meant
quelling riots and raising county regiments. Things
have changed somewhat since the 16 century –
th
though the military links persist. Ken is President
of the Greater London Reserve Forces' and Cadets'
Association (RFCA) and sports a uniform based on
that of a General.
Sir Kenneth has the privilege of standing in for
the Queen as and when required, working with
military, civic and voluntary bodies in the capital.
The modern monarchy exists (in part at least)
to promote a spirit of co-operation via the
encouragement it gives to voluntary service and
benevolent organisations. The Queen is committed
to ensuring that people throughout the country
are recognised for the good work they do. Lord-
Lieutenants help deliver that by, among other
actions, presenting awards.
Sir Kenneth confesses his love for the investitures
of well-deserving recipients of the British Empire
Medal (BEM). Twice a year he welcomes some
40 admirable recipients and their families to the
Tower of London. On behalf of the Queen, he pins
a medal on the proud chest of citizens who have
given much to others and their communities.
“As anyone fortunate enough to experience an Welcoming Her Majesty The Queen and HRH
investiture knows,” says Ken, “they are really The Duchess of Cambridge to King’s College London
stressful occasions. Deserving citizens arrive
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