The current Lord Lieutenant is Dame Fionnuala Mary Jay-O'Boyle, who was appointed in July 2014.

The role is largely honorary with the few formal duties relating to liaising with the King's private office in the lead up to visits to the City regarding issues of local concern and the presentation of awards on behalf of the King.

[1] The High Sheriff of Belfast is theoretically the King's judicial representative in the city, while the Lord Lieutenant is the Sovereign's personal representative.

There can be several deputy lieutenants at any time, depending on the population of the county.

Their appointment does not terminate with the changing of the lord-lieutenant, but they usually retire at age 75.