A CELEBRATION OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE: LORD LIEUTENANTS’ AWARD CEREMONY 2026

Saturday 7 March 2026 was a very special and memorable day for thirty-one of Northern Ireland’s finest reservists, Cadet Adult Volunteer Force members (CAVFs), and staff, along with twelve exceptional cadets. Accompanied by their proud families and guests, they were welcomed to the magnificent and historic setting of Hillsborough Castle to attend a prestigious presentation ceremony in their honour.

The recipients represented the wider Military Family and included members of the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force, as well as their respective cadet organisations. Each individual had been recognised for their dedication, commitment, and outstanding contribution to service.
The Lord Lieutenants’ Certificate for Outstanding Meritorious Service is one of the most distinguished honours that can be awarded at county level. It is second in precedence only to an award granted directly by His Majesty The King. Receiving this certificate is therefore a significant and well-deserved recognition of exceptional service, and it was a tremendous honour for each of the thirty-one recipients to be acknowledged in this way.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants serve as the personal representatives of the Crown in each county across the United Kingdom. They are appointed directly by His Majesty The King on the advice of the Prime Minister and play an important role in supporting local communities, recognising achievement, and representing the monarchy at official events.

The occasion also marked one of the most important highlights in the cadet calendar: the selection and appointment of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets. Each year, cadets are nominated by their commanding officers in recognition of their exemplary conduct, leadership, and dedication. These nominations are then considered by a selection board made up of senior representatives from the cadet organisations.
After a selection board, twelve cadets are chosen from a highly competitive field of outstanding candidates. These cadets are then put forward for final approval by the eight Lord Lieutenants of Northern Ireland. Being selected as a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet is a great honour and provides a unique opportunity for young people to represent their organisations at the highest level.
Following their appointment, the cadets take up their roles in support of their respective Lord Lieutenants and are given the opportunity to accompany them at a variety of civic engagements and ceremonial duties throughout the year. These occasions provide invaluable experiences and allow the cadets to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of public service.
The presentation of certificates took place in the magnificent Throne Room at Hillsborough Castle, providing a truly fitting and dignified setting for such a prestigious occasion. Surrounded by family members, friends, and invited guests, the recipients were formally recognised for their achievements in a ceremony filled with pride and celebration.

Following the formal proceedings, the recipients and their guests were invited to join the Lord Lieutenants for a delightful afternoon tea. This provided an opportunity for everyone present to reflect on the significance of the day, celebrate the achievements of the awardees, and enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the historic surroundings.

It was, without doubt, a proud and memorable occasion for all involved and a fitting recognition of the dedication, service, and commitment shown by Northern Ireland’s reservists, volunteers, staff, and cadets.