As a member of The King’s Household the Marshal acts as a link between the Sovereign and the High Commissioners and Ambassadors accredited to the Court of St James’s. He makes arrangements for credentials ceremonies at Buckingham Palace, Trooping the Colour, the State opening of Parliament, the evening diplomatic reception and the attendance at Royal garden parties.
The Marshal also makes farewell calls on Heads of Mission on behalf of The King.
With the large number of diplomatic missions and many different functions, the planning and execution of formal events in London is a major exercise. It is therefore important that all diplomatic missions meet deadlines when replying to invitations and ticket application requests and avoid late cancellation if at all possible.
The Marshal is assisted by the Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps and the Assistant Marshal, who are also the Director and Assistant Director, respectively, of Protocol Directorate.