THE Queen has appointed Michael More-Molyneux, the owner of Losely Park, as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, succeeding Dame Sarah Goad.

Mr More-Molyneux’s family has resided at the historic Elizabethan mansion near Guildford for more than 500 years.

He will assume the role of Lord Lieutenant on August 23 when Dame Sarah retires after 18 years’ service to the county.

Since inheriting Grade I Listed Loseley Park, built in the mid-16th Century with stone from the ruins of Waverley Abbey, Mr More-Molyneux has improved public access to the house and gardens as well as establishing its 17th Century tithe barn as a popular wedding venue.

As a businessman, the 63-year-old runs Loseley Park Farms and is a former chairman of Visit Surrey and president of the Surrey County Agricultural Society.

He is also a main board member of the Historic Houses Association, a director of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and supports a number of voluntary causes.

These include Shooting Star Chase, to whom Mr More-Molyneux and his wife, Sarah, donated land to build the Christopher’s children’s hospice, named after their son who died in a tragic motorbike accident in 1997.

He is also vice-president of the Surrey branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and chairman of the Guildford Cathedral Appeal.

Mr and Mrs More-Molyneux have two surviving sons, Alexander and Tristram, and a daughter, Katrina.

Following the announcement of his appointment by 10 Downing Street, Mr More-Molyneux said: “I am greatly honoured that Her Majesty the Queen has appointed me to succeed Dame Sarah as Lord Lieutenant.

“I look forward to carrying on the work and commitment of Dame Sarah over the past 18 years. To continue to develop a good atmosphere of co-operation and encouragement to the voluntary service, benevolent organisations, industrial, business and social life of the county.

“All the people of Surrey will, I’m sure, wish to join me in thanking Dame Sarah and her husband, Tim, for the tremendous support they have given to the county over 18 years and most recently to the Appeal for Guildford Cathedral.”