Unity in Service.

In a beautiful service in Guildford Cathedral led by the Dean of Guildford, The Very Reverend Bob Cooper DL, on Sunday 6 September, those present celebrated and gave thanks to Surrey’s outgoing Lord-Lieutenant, Michael More-Molyneux CVO KStJ, and welcomed Surrey’s new Lord Lieutenant Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE.

As His Majesty’s representative in a county, the Lord Lieutenant serves the Sovereign and connects the communities of the county. It is the Lord-Lieutenant’s chief duty to uphold the dignity and position of the Crown by assisting and representing it in all aspects of county life. The Lord-Lieutenant follows the example of HM The King by encouraging voluntary service and benevolent organisations, and taking a deep interest in the commercial and social life of the county.

The Surrey Lieutenancy supports the values the Crown represents by celebrating, inspiring and promoting the value of exemplary service and endeavour in Surrey; and using the convening capability of the Surrey Lieutenancy to strengthen the links between the various communities. This will encourage teamwork, co-operation and mutual respect; which in turn will help to build community cohesion and common purpose. 

The role of the Lord-Lieutenant is strictly apolitical, similarly to the role of High Sheriff. However, unlike the role of High Sheriff which is merely a year, a Lord-Lieutenant fulfils the role until their 75thbirthday.

Michael More-Molyneux retires after eleven years as the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, pictured here with his wife Sarah during a celebration at Brooklands Museum.

Michael More-Molyneux has served as Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey for 11 years. Together with his wife Sarah, Michael has carried out the role with complete dedication and a genuine love for Surrey. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Michael in the first six months of my Shrieval Year and a huge honour to have served as one of Michael’s Deputy Lieutenants for the past five years. A heartfelt thanks from me and everyone in Surrey.

The new Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey - Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE, who was welcomed with a service held at Guildford Cathedral.
The new Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey – Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE, who was welcomed with a service held at Guildford Cathedral to celebrate both the former and the new Lord-Lieutenants.

Simultaneously, Surrey warmly welcomes Neelam Dharni Devesher. Guided by the belief that strong communities are built when rights and responsibilities go hand in hand, Neelam is committed to unity and to the values of fairness, respect, liberty, responsibility and the rule of law. Three guiding principles will shape Neelam’s fulfilment of the role of Lord Lieutenant:  (i) opening doors for Surrey’s next generation; (ii) bringing together all of Surrey’s communities irrespective of background, faith or walk of life; and (iii) celebrating the county of Surrey for all it has to offer. Neelam, I look forward to working with you!

Michael More-Molyneux retires after elen years in role as the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey.