The Office of Lord-Lieutenant, The Queen’s Representative in each county of the United Kingdom, has existed for more than four centuries. Today Lieutenancies reflect a modern world very different from their military origins and provide a ceremonial presence on behalf of the Monarch and also a non-political focus for voluntary and charitable activity.
On the Isle of Wight and with the support of his Deputy Lieutenants,
Major General Sir Martin White has fulfilled that role since 2006.

The Isle of Wight is the largest and second-most populous island in England. Measuring 23 miles from east to west, and just over 13 miles from north to south, it is in the English Channel, about 4 miles (6 km) off the coast of Hampshire, separated by the Solent.
The Island is rich in royal history, with Queen Victoria building Osborne House, her much-loved summer residence and final home, at East Cowes and Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria's youngest child, marrying at Whippingham Church. Princess Beatrice later became governor of the Island, residing at Carisbrooke Castle.
The Island has a maritime and industrial tradition including boat building, sail making, the manufacture of flying boats, the hovercraft, and Britain's space rockets.