St Edmundsbury Cathedral last month hosted a service in honour of Lady Clare, Countess of Euston and HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, to mark her retirement after 11 years of service in the Lieutenancy.
The ceremony at the cathedral also formally welcomed Mark Pendlington as the new Lord-Lieutenant, taking over the role from Lady Euston on the King’s appointment. It brought together representatives from the county’s civic, military and voluntary organisations.
The focus of the service was a celebration of the Countess of Euston’s contribution since her appointment to the Lieutenancy in 2014. During her time in office, she served as the Sovereign’s representative in Suffolk, supporting charities, engaging with local communities and promoting the county at every opportunity.
St Edmundsbury offered Lady Euston and other dignitaries the opportunity to reflect on her leadership role and work. Many of the contributions on the day highlighted her work with organisations supporting vulnerable people, as well as her genuine enthusiasm for Suffolk and its communities.
The service itself celebrated Suffolk’s heritage, with music from Benjamin Britten alongside readings, poetry and the Suffolk Prayer, reflecting the rich culture and community spirit of the county. For those in attendance, the event provided an opportunity to recognise the importance of service, leadership and community – values that remain at the heart of both the Lieutenancy and the cadet movement.
Lady Euston’s retirement is particularly meaningful to the family of the currently serving Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, Cdt SSgt West. He is the third sibling in his family to hold the appointment, following his brother Jacob (2024–2025) and sister Elizabeth (2022–2023). Their mother also serves as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer at Kesgrave Detachment.
It is with immense gratitude that East Anglia RFCA bid farewell to Lady Euston. We join Suffolk ACF and others in wishing her all the best in her retirement. We also warmly welcome Mark Pendlington in his role as the county’s new Lord-Lieutenant.
