The Earl Marshal
The role of Earl Marshal dates from medieval times, along with other offices of state such as the Lord High Constable and the Lord High Steward.
Whilst many of these posts have either fallen into disuse or become purely ceremonial, the office of Earl Marshal is still active. It has responsibility for state ceremony, including coronations, state funerals and the state opening of Parliament. The Earl Marshal is also responsible for the supervision of the College of Arms and overseeing all new grants of arms.
Many Howard dukes of Norfolk have held the role of Earl Marshal since John, 1st Duke of Norfolk in 1483. The role has been held by hereditary right since 1672, although, before the Catholic Emancipation Act, some dukes had to exercise the office through deputies.
Bernard, 16th Duke of Norfolk was a well known public figure for his role organising the funerals of King George V, King George VI and Sir Winston Churchill, as well as the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, and the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales in 1969. The current Earl Marshal is Edward William Fitzalan Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk who was responsible for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
The seat of the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal, is Arundel Castle.
