'Queen's advice helped me in Lord-Lieutenant role'

It has been 11 years since Lady Clare Fitzroy, Countess of Euston, made history when she was entrusted with representing the monarchy as the first female Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk.

Since her appointment in 2014, which made her the first woman to take on the role in its 500-year history, she has served through several "major events".

The 74-year-old, who is set to hang up her regal regalia later this month, has also overseen more than 48 days' worth of royal visits to the county.

Ahead of her retirement, Lady Clare reflected on her time in the role and shared how her friend, the late Queen Elizabeth II, helped her banish her nerves when she took the job.

"I was faintly horrified [when I was asked]," she told BBC Suffolk.

"But the Queen said to me, 'Don't worry, get a good driver and get a good person to help you in the office so that you don't get in a muddle'.

"That was her advice and so it was very straightforward from there on."

Lord-Lieutenants are the monarch's personal representatives in each of the UK's ceremonial counties, responsible for upholding the dignity of the Crown.

They are unpaid and non-political and are appointed to arrange royal visits, present honours, and support local groups and organisations.

During Lady Clare's tenure, she served through the pandemic and the coronation of King Charles III and saw many chief constables and bishops come and go.

She was also in the role when Elizabeth II, whom she considered a friend, died in 2022 at the age of 96, having reigned for 70 years.

"I adored working for the late Queen and she loved Suffolk a lot and would come here privately to go and see her horses," she said.

"When I actually heard that wonderful woman was no longer going to be there, it was a shock and it was very, very sad.

"I find it a very, very sad and heart-breaking moment for the country, but we knew it was coming and no-one can live forever."

Lady Clare will officially retire from her role on 15 April, once she has turned 75, as that is when "you have to go".

She will be replaced by Mark Pendlington, who served as Suffolk's High Sheriff, chaired the Festival of Suffolk, and was Pro-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk.

"I don't know where the years have gone and it's been a very extraordinary 11 years, with so many major events happening nationally," she said.

"I've had such a lovely time, and it has been an enormous privilege, but I feel that it is completely the right time."

One of Lady Clare's last responsibilities in the role was to award five people from Suffolk with a British Empire Medal during her final investiture.

During a ceremony at Euston Hall, in the county, she presented the honours to Dean Appleton, Ryan Appleton, Brian Hall, Diana Hunt DL and Paul Snelling.

Each recipient was recognised for exceptional voluntary service, leadership and dedication and making a lasting difference to the lives of others.

"It has been one of the greatest privileges to meet people such as these and to hear first-hand about the extraordinary service they give to others," Lady Clare said.

"Today's recipients represent the very best of our communities, giving their time, skills and compassion without expectation of recognition.

"To conclude my investiture duties by honouring such remarkable individuals has been deeply meaningful."

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