Who is the Lady Mayoress Florence King?
Someone who doesn’t mind being thrown in at the deep end, head first and has a very understanding Chain of Command. I hope Lord Mayor King is quite laid back but I do take the role seriously. I’ve taken a few of the things I learned during basic training and applied them to this new persona – I’ve found the lesson on camouflage quite helpful – the seven S’s still apply! Although I’ve added an eighth – it stands for “Sephora”.
What does the Lady Mayoress do?
They’re there to support the Lord Mayor. My husband’s role is ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services; he’s our champion for economic success. As such – the Lady Mayoress’s job is to set the tone of Mansion House for this important role. Over the course of the year there are at least four occasions when we host VIPs from the Prime Minister to foreign dignitaries. Additionally, there are over 100 events for communities and fundraising that I personally help organise. A part of my job is to always be ecstatic, which isn’t as easy as it looks…
Being a Reservist, what is your perspective on the Mayoralty and its historical and ceremonial military links? Is there a symbiotic relationship?
My perspective is that these links are very much alive. Historically, if you wanted to fight a war you’d come to the City to raise money. If it couldn’t be paid back the Monarch would have to give the City a little bit more power which is how the City came to elect its own Lord Mayor. Armies have been raised in the City of London and having privilege regiment status is a source of enormous pride for many regiments. Today a different sort of army is being raised in the Square Mile – one that can defend our institutions from cyber attacks. This is heavily reliant on recruiting Reservists that can bring their knowledge and training from their civvy jobs to the fight. This allows our own businesses to operate unhindered and thrive. Additionally, this stability coupled with a reliable and predictable regulatory environment attracts foreign businesses to secure their future here in London. The Mayoralty represents and exalts the symbiotic relationship between London-based businesses and the Armed Forces. This is demonstrated by the 55 military units that march in the Lord Mayor’s Show – an annual highlight of many Reservists who serve in the City.
What goals do you aim to achieve during your time with the Mayoralty?
In my year I am supporting the work of our Armed Forces Covenant. It might seem trite to some serving personnel but it is a meaningful way for businesses to support the Armed Forces. Employers signing the covenant makes a material difference to veteran and Reservists’ lives. I’ve had experience being with an organisation that hadn’t signed – I wouldn’t recommend it. Certainly, getting more Livery Companies and other businesses in the City to sign is an achievable goal. I also want to continue the conversation how we can recruit more veterans to the Reserves so we don’t lose their institutional knowledge and how we can support the Cadet Forces. The Armed Forces need platforms to keep repeating these messages or we will be forgotten. I’m happy to provide my privileges as the Lady Mayoress to relay the word.
Favourite part of being the Lady Mayoress?
There are many things, each one worthy of being anybody’s favourite – the conversations, the fantastic team of the Mansion House, getting dressed up… But my favourite thing is more domestic. My husband and I were married in spring last year. The run up to the Mayoralty is incredibly busy – everything you want to do during the year you have to draft up before you start otherwise it’s too late. So, we didn’t have the opportunity to set up house together. This is the first time we’ve been able to live somewhere that feels like our home. Sharing this journey with him is my favourite part.
