Lord Lieutenant recognised with New Year honour

Lord Lieutenant recognised with New Year honour

6 January 2021

THE Lord Lieutenant of Co Down says he is “absolutely delighted” at being included in the New Year Honours List.

Mr David Lindsay, who lives near Killyleagh, has been made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).

The award has come as a surprise to Mr Lindsay, whose duties as Lord Lieutenant include being involved in the honours process.

“I am absolutely delighted to receive this award,” he said. “It is a great surprise.”

Mr Lindsay, who had a successful career in the motor industry — he is a former director of Lindsay Cars — was appointed Lord Lieutenant in 2009 in succession to Sir William Hall and will step down from the post in September on his 75th birthday.

He is the Queen’s representative in Co Down and is assisted by a vice Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Fionnuala Cook, and up to 30 Deputy Lieutenants.

His responsibilities including assisting with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the Queen’s Award to Industry, the creation of new citizens and, of course, welcoming members of the Royal Family.

Mr Lindsay says he would normally carry out 40 engagements in any normal year. However, 2020 was far from normal, given the Covid pandemic and the limitations placed on public gatherings.

A number of engagements were carried out online or by Zoom. However, he was honoured to welcome the Prince of Wales and Prince Edward to Hillsborough Castle and accompany the Duchess of Cambridge to the Ark Open Farm in Newtownards during her visit to the province in February. He also took part in the Remembrance Sunday commemorations in Newcastle.

Mr Linsday welcomed the Queen to Hillsborough Castle and once stayed as her guest at Windsor Castle. He also attended receptions and garden parties at Buckingham Palace.

However, Mr Lindsay said he enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life.

“I have been fortunate to meet so many amazing people,” he said. “I also get to attend all sorts of events, which has been marvellous.”

Mr Lindsay says he has been touched by the kindness shown to him by many people during his time as Lord Lieutenant.

“I can honestly say that I have never had an unpleasant experience or had a nasty word said to me in almost 12 years.”

He also thanked the many people who have provided him with support, including his wife, Judy, and his family.

“My wife has been wonderful. She has accompanied on the vast majority of events I have attended and has been hugely supportive. I am very grateful,” he added.