'Amazing surprise' to be appointed Lord-Lieutenant

Elizabeth Barnes formally took on the role on 15 July following the retirement of Sir Ian Dudson

Staffordshire's new Lord-Lieutenant has said she believes the job is still "really important" and provides a way for the royal family to keep in touch with what is happening around the country.

Elizabeth Barnes formally took up the role on 15 July following the retirement of Sir Ian Dudson who had been Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire since 2012.

She had been a deputy lieutenant since 2020, but said it never crossed her mind that she might be asked to take on the position herself.

"It was the most amazing surprise," she said.

Ms Barnes added it was fitting that her first engagement in the role was with the MOD Stafford, as historically Lord-Lieutenants were appointed by Henry VIII to oversee the armed forces in their counties.

Since taking up the position, Ms Barnes has also attended graduation ceremonies at Keele University and the University of Staffordshire, which she felt was also fitting given her previous career.

She started out as a PE and Maths teacher at Longton High School and Bilbrook Middle School, before working for universities.

Her role was "really important" due to the potential for engaging with the community, she told BBC Radio Stoke.

Elizabeth Barnes says it is a "really important" role for keeping the royal family connected to local communities

"The King's very passionate about his awards – particularly for voluntary services, and for businesses, for enterprise," she said.

"It's keeping the royal family in touch with what's going on across our country," she added.

She added she had been supported "hugely" by her predecessor Sir Ian, and had met with other Lord-Lieutenants at Windsor Castle to help her prepare for the role.

Although "a little daunted", she said she had been warmly welcomed during her first few engagements.

"What is great is that we recognise how important our Royal Family are, still, to our communities."

Ms Barnes added it was also a "huge honour" being Lord-Lieutenant for the county hosting the National Memorial Arboretum.