THE Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire is to retire after more than 10 years and will be replaced by the first woman ever to fill the role.

Lt Col Patrick Holcroft CVO OBE retires today after over 10 years in the role as the 21st Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire.

He welcomes his successor, Mrs Beatrice Grant, the first woman Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire.

Lord-Lieutenants were first appointed by King Henry VIII in the 1540s and the role continues as the Sovereign’s representative in the county. The position is voluntary, non-political and unpaid.

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Col Holcroft’s period as Lord-Lieutenant has been extremely busy, with a number of significant events including: HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, 90th Birthday and Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the 100-year commemorations of WW1; the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, followed a year later by the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Proclamation of King Charles III.

Col Holcroft has been honoured to welcome many members of the Royal Family to the county over the years.

He attended 92 Royal events and venues in his time in the position, including charities and volunteer groups, businesses, town centres, museums, schools, colleges, as well as the University of Worcester and the Cathedral.

Col Holcroft said: “As Lord-Lieutenant, I have met and got to know some wonderful people, visited them at work or pursuing their interests; I have seen decency, kindness, humility, humour and real devotion to the service of others. For me, this is what gives real purpose to the role of Lord-Lieutenant and it is principally this that makes it so hugely rewarding.”

Col Holcroft is looking forward to spending more time with his family and the time to pursue his many other interests.

Mrs Grant has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire for three years and has been the Chairman of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

She has considerable experience of the charitable and voluntary sector and she volunteers each week at the Worcester Foodbank, a commitment she will continue.

“He will be a very hard act to follow, but I am looking forward to getting to know you as your 22nd Lord-Lieutenant,” she said.