The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham has been praised as an “unwavering servant to our area” as she prepares to step down from the role.
Sue Snowdon has served as The Monarch’s official representative in County Durham for more than a decade, accompanying members of the Royal Family during their visits to the area since 2013.
Mrs Snowdon, from Spennymoor, became a Deputy Lieutenant in 2006 before becoming the first female Lord Lieutenant of County Durham.
She served both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III and was knighted as a Dame Commander in The King’s Birthday Honours last year.
On April 1, Mrs Snowdon will celebrate her 75th birthday – the point at which all Lord Lieutenants must retire.
A special service was held at Durham Cathedral to mark her time in the role, attended by Durham County Council’s Chairman Cllr Robbie Rodiss.
Cllr Rodiss said:
“On behalf of everyone at Durham County Council, I’d like to thank Sue Snowdon for her service as Lord Lieutenant of County Durham over the past 13 years.
“Mrs Snowdon was at the heart of a number of Royal Visits to our area, notably King Charles and Queen Camilla attending the first Royal Maundy Service to be held at Durham Cathedral since 1967, last year.
“As the organiser of such visits, I can only imagine the stress involved but, from what I hear, she always has a smile on her face and has acted with great professionalism.
“Mrs Snowdon has always displayed a real dedication and determination to promote County Durham, in particular our young people, and is truly an unwavering servant to our area.
“I’d like to wish her all the very best wishes in her retirement; and, also, to her husband and consort Keith, who has been a huge support to Sue. Similarly, I’d like to wish the best of luck to her replacement.”
The new Lord Lieutenant of County Durham from 1 April will be Michael Butterwick.
