The South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, as our new President, with effect from 4 March 2026.
Lady Howe succeeds Nigel Atkinson, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, who has held the voluntary position for the past 10 years.
As President, Lady Howe will provide strategic direction, leadership and governance for the Association, while advocating for and promoting the efficiency and well-being of Reservists, Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers throughout the South East region.
Lady Howe brings extensive experience in public service and community leadership. Raised in Buckinghamshire, she enjoyed a childhood filled with country pursuits including ponies and hockey. She was educated at Headington School before completing a BEd (Hons) degree at University of Cambridge. Her early teaching career took her to Newmarket and London.
In 1983, she married Frederick Curzon, 7th Earl Howe and returned to Buckinghamshire to manage the family estate in Penn while raising their four children. Alongside her family commitments, Lady Howe became deeply involved in community life, serving as a school governor, volunteering as a music teacher and supporting a wide range of local charities.
Her longstanding service to Buckinghamshire includes being appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire in 1995 and serving as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in 2010–11. Most recently, she served as Chair of Heart of Bucks, the county’s community foundation, gaining further insight into both the challenges facing local communities and the many strengths of the region.
In her role as Lord-Lieutenant, Lady Howe has been a strong supporter of the Armed Forces and Cadet organisations across the county and the wider region. We look forward to working closely with her as the Association continues to champion the work of Reservists, Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
Commenting on her appointment, Lady Howe said:
“It is a great honour, for me and for the county of Buckinghamshire, to take on this role at a time of change for the Association, our Reservists and Cadets.
“There is much to do. The cadet movement will be expanded by a further 30,000 young people by the end of the decade and there are proposals to increase the size of our Reserve Forces to enhance our defence capabilities. Delivering these objectives will require the support of the whole community.
“I look forward to working with partners and stakeholders in central and local government, business and commerce, across the South East region, to help to take forward this important national agenda.”