The Office of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe. The Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by The Sovereign to be their personal representative in the Historic County of Buckinghamshire which includes Milton Keynes. As The Sovereign's representative in the County, it is the Lord-Lieutenant’s first and foremost duty to uphold the dignity of the Crown. The Lieutenancy follows the example of the Royal Family in promoting a good atmosphere and a spirit of co-operation in the County through the encouragement it gives to the voluntary service and charitable organisations, and by the interest it takes in the commercial, business and social life of the County. The role is strictly non-political and the Lord-Lieutenant, Vice Lord-Lieutenant and all Deputy Lieutenants are unpaid. All remain strictly neutral in political matters, both national and local.