Edward Fitzalan-Howard, aka the Duke of Norfolk, has a lot of practice in putting together grand national events like the State Opening of Parliament. He recently organised Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and will also organise King Charles III’s funeral in the coming months.
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Who is the Duke of Norfolk?
The role of Earl Marshal is hereditary and falls on the highest-ranking Duke (Duke of Norfolk) in England. The current Earl Marshal – Edward Fitzalan-Howard – is the 18th Duke of Norfolk and became the Earl Marshal in 2002 after his father passed away.
Mirror confirms the Duke of Norfolk is the most senior lay member of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain. Educated at the private Catholic school Ampleforth College, the Duke is also a crossbench peer in the House of Lords and went to the University of Oxford.
'Eddie Norfolk' created headlines in 2011 when he parted ways with his wife of many years – Georgina Gore. The separation was so bitter that he didn’t even attend Prince William and Kate’s wedding to avoid causing any embarrassment to the Queen.
He was also recently imposed with a driving ban after he admitted to driving through a red light while on the phone with his wife after he was stopped in a BMW in south London in April.
What does he do?
The father of five and a descendant of Elizabeth I ran a joinery business, and a bottled gas company and is worth more than £100million. Before his marriage in 1987, he was the most eligible bachelor in England and was a keen racing driver and skier.
Since the 16th century, the Earl Marshal has had control over the kings of arms, heralds, and pursuivants. The Queen’s funeral with the College of Arms, the King’s Coronation and the official public proclamation of Charles as King at the Accession Council are all Earl Marshal’s responsibility.
On September 10, the Earl Marshal read aloud the beginning of Charles' reign for the first time in public in London as he stood on the balcony of Friars Court in St. James's Palace.
Source used
Mirror: Who is Duke of Norfolk? Earl Marshal who organised Queen's funeral is worth millions
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