Royal Warrant - Declaring the Precedence of Lieutenants and Sheriffs of Counties in England and Wales [1904-02-18]

Edward R & I

Edward the Seventh by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith To Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin and Councillor Henry Duke of Norfolk Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal of England Greeting: Whereas the precedence of the Lieutenants and of Our Sheriffs of Counties not having been hitherto declared, doubts and a diversity of practice have in consequence arisen in respect to their relative precedence. And whereas it is expedient that such doubts should be set at rest. Now Know Ye that We of Our Princely Grace and mere motion are pleased to ordain and declare that each and every of Our Lieutenants of a County and each and every of Our Lieutenants of a Riding or Division of a County in England and Wales shall during his term of Office and within the limits of his jurisdiction have on all occasions place pre-eminence and precedence before the Sheriff having concurrent jurisdiction in the said County, Riding or Division. Our Will and Pleasure therefore is that you Henry Duke of Norfolk to whom the cognizance of matters of this nature doth properly belong do see this Our Order observed and kept and that you do also cause the same to be recorded in Our College of Arms, to the end that Our Officers of Arms and all others upon occasion may take full notice and have knowledge thereof. Given at Our Court at Saint James’s the eighteenth day of February 1904 in the Fourth year of Our Reign.

By His Majesty’s Command
A. Akers Douglas.