A statement issued on behalf of Downing Street:

The Queen has been pleased to appoint Mr Edward Harley OBE DL as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Herefordshire in succession to The Dowager Countess of Darnley CVO, CStJ, JP who retires on 4 September 2020.

"Members of Chapter and indeed the whole cathedral community join me in offering our warmest congratulations to Edward on his appointment as Lord Lieutenant in succession to Lady Darnley.

As a cathedral community, we count ourselves very blessed to have, in Lady Darnley, a Lord Lieutenant who has so wholeheartedly supported the cathedral and its life, and, in due course will be able to give expression to our gratitude.

In so many ways, over the years, Edward Harley has, himself, supported our cathedral – now as Chair of Mappa Mundi Trust, as a valued member of the Finance Committee, and as a Lay Canon on the Cathedral Foundation. We look forward to welcoming him in his new role, to working with him and to supporting him as Lord Lieutenant in whatever way we can.   With Edward, we look forward to welcoming Victoria in her new role – Victoria herself is much involved in cathedral life, not least as a member of the Fabric Advisory Committee.

We shall remember Edward and Victoria in  our prayers as they prepare for the future."

Michael Tavinor, Dean

"We are delighted by the news and look forward to working with Edward, who was one of the founding trustees of the Perpetual Trust, in his new capacity. Edward and his wife Victoria have been great supporters of what we have done to support the Chapter, both privately and publicly, and we will look forward to their continuing support.

In due course, there will also be much said of the support we have received from Lady Darnley, whose late husband Adam was also one of the early trustees. We are indebted for her support of the cathedral and county, along with her friendship to so many, which without doubt will continue after she retires."

Glyn Morgan, Chief Executive of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust