Lord Ashton of Hyde appointed Master of the Horse

 His Majesty The King has appointed Lord Ashton of Hyde, PC, to succeed Lord De Mauley as Master of the Horse.

The Master of the Horse was once an important official of the sovereign's household, though the role is largely ceremonial today. The master of the horse is the third dignitary of the court, and was always a member of the ministry (before 1782 the office was of cabinet rank), a peer and a privy councillor. All matters connected with the horses and formerly also the hounds of the sovereign, as well as the stables and coachhouses, the stud, mews and previously the kennels, are within his jurisdiction.

Lord Ashton of Hyde,  a former Conservative chief whip in the Lords, is a Gloucestershire neighbour of the King, living at Moreton-in-the-Marsh, half an hour's drive from Highgrove.

Thomas Henry Ashton was born 18 July, 1958, son of the 3rd Baron (1926-2008), and his wife the former Pauline Brackenbury (who died 4 Nov, 2014). He married 31 Oct, 1987, Emma Louise Allinson, by whom he has issue, four daughters, Harriet, Isobel, Flora and Matilda.

Lord Ashton of Hyde will replace the serving Master of the Horse, the 7th Baron de Mauley (born 30 June, 1957) , whose final major duty will be to ride in this weekend’s Trooping the Colour ceremony as holders of the post are present when the Royal Mews supports state occasions.

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