What is a Deputy Lieutenant?
Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant. DLs must live within Greater London, or within seven miles of the boundary. Their appointment does not terminate with the changing of the Lord-Lieutenant. By statute they retire at age 75.
DLs tend to be distinguished residents who either have served the local community, or have a history of service in other fields. In particular DLs should be people well-known in their locality for the service they have or are giving through public life, charitable activity, voluntary service or the uniformed services. The overall aim is that within each county or area DLs should be widely representative of the area's life in social range, gender, community background, ethnic mix and service to the community. They may represent the Lord-Lieutenant in his (or her) absence at local ceremonies and official events.