Page 13 - Yearbook issue try out

as quivering jellies, having suffered nervous breakdowns over wardrobe, unpunctual relatives and
problems with the journey – all amplified by the intimidating surroundings of the Tower and the
grand trappings of the ceremony. By the time they enter the New Armouries, most will have seriously
contemplated divorce or worse!”

“My job,” he continues, “is to make sure that they leave with all of that forgotten, in anticipation of lunch
with their loved ones, and having experienced the very best morning of
their lives. From murderous to magical in only two hours!”

Sir Kenneth is always there to receive the Queen when she makes an official
visit to Greater London, as when she met survivors of the Grenfell Tower
fire. The photograph shows when Her Majesty, accompanied by HRH The
Duchess of Cambridge, opened the Bush House campus of King’s College
London. Ken also participates in various state functions – he has taken the
salute at Beating Retreat on Horseguards – and is a principal member of
the welcoming party and a guest at the Buckingham Palace banquet when
Heads of State visit the UK.

Each Lord-Lieutenant appoints a cadre of deputies, identifiable by the
letters “DL” after their names. Sir Kenneth has around 100 DLs who help
by receiving members of the Royal Family. Pre-COVID-19, London was
honoured with around 150 official visits a year. More broadly, the DLs are
involved in implementing his strategy, entitled ‘Building bridges for a fairer
London’.

The idea of the Lieutenancy having a website or a strategy might seem
at odds with such an ancient office, but Ken is relaxed about it. “I haven’t
invented anything new!” he laughs. His intention is to ensure the London
Lieutenancy’s purpose is clearly defined and communicated.

‘Building bridges’ stands on three legs of Faith, Occupation and Heritage,
and is focused on driving social inclusion in our capital. Following Her
Majesty’s lead, Ken is dedicated to ensuring that the advantages of living
in our capital are available to all and that everyone has the chance to fulfil
their potential.

In keeping with just about every other aspect of our country, 2020 brought
many unexpected changes to the Lieutenancy, but as Ken says: “Although
the context may have changed, my obligation to maintain the dignity of the
Crown remains unchanged.”

He was only able to don his impressive uniform three times this year: two
services at Westminster Abbey, and President Macron’s visit to join HRH The
Prince of Wales in celebrating the 80 anniversary of De Gaulle’s “appel” to
th
occupied France. Is the uniform comfortable? “Absolutely. It was tailored for
me at Henry Poole in Savile Row. It fits like a glove!”

While many events have been cancelled this year, some have been able to
continue virtually. In his role as President of RFCA, Sir Kenneth presented
top Army, Navy and Airforce cadets with their certificates via Zoom. “It’s an
occasion I didn’t want them to miss; it’s something I hope these cadets will
treasure for life.” (continued on page 12)
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