The Lieutenancy of Kent - The Vice Lord Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants

The appointment of Kent’s new Vice Lord Lieutenant, Richard Oldfield, of Doddington, near Sittingbourne, was announced in the London Gazette on 27 September 2011.

Mr Oldfield, who was High Sheriff in 2008-9, was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in August.

As Vice Lord Lieutenant, he supports the Lord Lieutenant, The Viscount De L’Isle MBE.  

He is married to Amicia de Moubray, a journalist, and since 1983 has lived at Doddington Place, whose garden is open to the public.  He has four children.

Mr Oldfield is a Trustee of Canterbury Cathedral Trust, whose appeal committee he chairs, and of Royal Marsden Cancer Charity; and is also President of Demelza House Children’s Hospice.  Until stepping down this month he was a Trustee of Leeds Castle Foundation. 

He is Chairman of Oldfield Partners, an investment management firm, and of Oxford University Endowment Management; a Director of Witan Investment Trust plc, and former Director of Mercury Asset Management plc. Simple but not easy, his book about investing, was published in June 2007.

Of Mr Oldfield’s appointment, Lord De L’Isle said: “I am delighted that Richard is becoming Vice Lord-Lieutenant. He is already well known across the County and I look forward to both of us serving Kent.”

Mr Oldfield said: “I am honoured to be appointed by Lord De L’Isle and look forward to supporting him in his work as Lord Lieutenant.”

Deputy Lieutenants

Deputy Lieutenants come from all walks of life and all parts of the County and are honoured for their contribution to the Nation and/or the County.

The Lord Lieutenant leads this influential network of Deputy Lieutenants and provides the organisation for their individual networks to interlock for the benefit of Kent's varied communities.

Their local and specialist knowledge and experience is increasingly being used to positive effect in key sectors ranging from education to youth services, and from business to the rural economy.

They are the eyes and ears of the Lieutenancy in our local communities and liaise closely with the local authorities with whom we have much common cause.

They advise on events potentially warranting Royal visits, on how local people can put forward others suitable for honours or for invitations to Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, and on anniversaries warranting a message from The Queen.

They also advise on how community organisations can gain recognition in The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. This award recognises the vital role played by the thousands of unsung heroes of the voluntary and community world which we in the Lieutenancy believe it is important to celebrate and encourage.