Government Houses of the British Empire and Commonwealth

A Government House is any residence used by governors-general, governors and lieutenant-governors in the Commonwealth and the British Empire.

Government Houses serve as the venue for governors' official business, as well as the many receptions and functions hosted by the occupant.

While a Government House is the official residence of a viceroy or governor who represents the monarch, many Commonwealth nations now operate without the British monarch as head of state.

When King Charles III or a member of the royal family visits a Commonwealth nation, they will often stay at the Government House, which is reported in the Court Circular.

Other government residences Pre-independence, the living arrangements of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland varied according to the social calendar: After 1922, the Viceregal Lodge served as the official residence of the first two Governors-General of the Irish Free State.