HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, has spoken to the Bedford Independent about her time so far in her new position following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and the new reign of King Charles III.
Read: Susan Lousada appointed as HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
Susan officially became HM Lord-Lieutenant on 7 September 2022, just one day before Her Majesty sadly passed away on 8 September 2022.
“The key role of HM Lord-Lieutenant is to uphold the dignity of the Crown and reflect the Monarchy. However, one of my most important roles is to shine a light on all things that are good in the county.
“This would include recommending people for honours and others who deserve recognition, for things like volunteering and enterprise, to thank them for making Bedfordshire a great place to live.”
This role continues seamlessly during King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
“The Queen passing is a deeply sad time. The change to serving under His Majesty has been a seamless transfer,” adds Susan.
“I will do my best to serve under His Majesty as I would serving under Her Majesty.”
While HM Lord-Lieutenant has written a letter of condolence on behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, she will be supporting local people at other services and events too during this official time of mourning.
“I will attend as many of the Services of Thanksgiving as I can. There is a public service at St Paul’s Church, Bedford this Saturday and a countywide service on Sunday.
“At these services, I shall represent His Majesty and pay my respect on behalf of the county of Bedfordshire.”
Operation London Bridge
Operation London Bridge is the agreed funeral plan for Queen Elizabeth II. The plan includes the announcement of her death and the period of official mourning.
The Lord-Lieutenant plays a pivotal role in supporting these plans to make sure they are correctly delivered throughout the county.
“I am actively involved in attending meetings to make sure things are happening and they are happening appropriately.”
The meetings referred to as ‘Gold Meetings’ may include senior members from councils, Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the NHS and the church.
“We have been told to expect a number of Heads of State to arrive at London Luton Airport,” adds Susan. “It is the responsibility of the Lord-Lieutenant and her Deputies to greet them on behalf of His Majesty.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant will attend the lying-in-state of Her Majesty the Queen and then attend the Queen’s funeral on 19 September (Monday) as His Majesty’s representative of Bedfordshire.
Susan said, “It will be an incredibly sad day but it is also an immense honour and deeply moving to attend this historical event.
“The Queen promised a life of service, gave a life of service, and died giving a life of service.
“The day shall be a final sad farewell to the Queen.”
Read: “Long live the King”: Bedford ceremony recognises the accession of King Charles III.
Mrs Lousada added, “I would like to thank all of those who have been working hard in their roles across the county, responding in a dignified manner, to the death of Her Majesty.
“The Council, Mayor, Police and other services have worked tirelessly so I would like to thank them all for their dedication to their work.”
Adding a personal moment of reflection, the Lord-Lieutenant spoke of her own emotion around the Queen’s passing. “I will miss her,” she said, “But I have been so moved witnessing people signing the books of condolence across the county.
“It’s a testament to her legacy that people have taken their time to sign the books and add their own thoughts at this sad time.”
