Lord High Steward

Lord High Steward
Incumbent Prince Arthur since 6 February 2006
Style	His Royal Highness Sir
Residence	Stewardry House, Winburgh
Appointer	The Sovereign
Term length	Life tenure or until accession as Sovereign
Inaugural	Prince Robert
Formation	19 April 1241

The Lord High Steward is a title used by the heir apparent to the Ingerish throne. The current Lord High Steward is HRH The Prince Arthur, Duke of Winburgh. The title is formally granted by the Sovereign, rather than being automatically inherited. This is in contrast to the title of Duke of Winburgh, which the heir apparent inherits at birth. It is usually granted to the heir when they turn 21, and involves an elaborate ceremony at the Winburgh Cathedral.

History

The title of Lord High Steward originates from 1241, when Prince Robert, son of Robert I, reached the age of 21. The Prince had been made Duke of Winburgh when he was born in 1220, but with his father now embarking on campaign abroad, it was felt that an additional title was merited to respect the additional duties the Prince would be taking on in his father's absence. From the time of its creation, the High Stewardship became the principal title by which the heir to the throne would be known, despite being one of a number of titles that an heir to the throne carries. Unlike the ducal title, the High Stewardship carries no lands with it, and was originally intended as an honorary title and mark of respect to the heir to the throne.

With the passage of the Regency Act in 1913, the office was formally codified in legislation and given substantial powers in the event of a regency (known as a stewardship in Ingerland). To assist the Lord High Steward during a stewardship, a Stewards Council was established, and consists of two members of the Royal Family, the Lord Chief Justice, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and representatives from each of the dominions.

Function and role

There are a number of roles assigned to the High Stewardship. Depending on the circumstances, the office can be largely ceremonial. However, it certain circumstances, the High Stewardship can occupy a significant amount of the heir's official business.

Bearer of the Crown

The most regular and ongoing role of the Lord High Steward is to serve as the Bearer of the Crown. On ceremonial occasions, such as the Coronation or in certain circumstances, the State Opening of Parliament, the Lord High Steward carries the Crown of St Oswald before the Sovereign.

Regent

In the event of a regency (which is always known as a stewardship in Ingerland), the Lord High Steward administers Ingerland and the other dominions in the name of a Sovereign who is absent, disabled, or too young. He is assisted in this role by the Steward's Council, which consists of the other great officers of state, and which carries out the official prerogatives and powers of the Sovereign until he or his successor is able to rule in their own right.