Lieutenant Cololnel Renu Raksha Wing Kapur MBE was formally sworn in as the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire for 2026–2027 at a ceremony that took place at Reading Crown Court on 27 March 2026. Kapur’s nomination for this historic office, confirmed through the traditional pricking ceremony of the King’s Privy Council, was included in the official national list of High Sheriff appointments for England and Wales published on 10 March 2026.
Kapur, who lives in Twyford, took the Declaration of Office in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, members of the judiciary, civic leaders, and invited guests.
A Historic Role with Modern Impact
The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom, dating back over a thousand years. Today, the role focuses on supporting the judiciary, police, emergency services, and the voluntary and community sectors, reflecting a long tradition of civic service across the county.
For nearly a thousand years, the Office of High Sheriff was dominated by men, with only two women ever recorded in the early 13th century. Even in modern times, female High Sheriffs remain strikingly rare. Ren Kapur becomes only the 13th woman to hold the role in the Royal County of Berkshire. Her appointment is not just historic; it’s a powerful moment of progress for one of England’s oldest public offices.
Themes for the Year: Young People & Volunteering
During her shrieval year, Ren Kapur MBE will champion two core themes:
- Supporting Young People – with a focus on opportunity, aspiration, and empowerment.
- Volunteering – celebrating and strengthening the vital role of volunteers in community life
These themes align closely with Kapur’s longstanding work in social impact, enterprise, and community development.
A Proven Leader in Enterprise, Community & Service
Ren Kapur MBE is the Founder and CEO of X-Forces Enterprise and a prominent advocate for entrepreneurship, particularly among underrepresented groups. She received her MBE for services to entrepreneurship, specifically for her work helping members of the Armed Forces community to start and grow their own businesses. She is also an Army Reservist and has been widely recognised for her contributions to the Armed Forces community, small business ecosystem, and social mobility initiatives.
Her leadership and commitment to public service have made her a respected figure across both the business and military communities.
Statement from Ren Kapur MBE
“Being appointed High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire is an immense honour. Berkshire is a vibrant and diverse county, rich in talent, compassion, and possibility. I am proud to call the Royal County of Berkshire my home.
I would also like to pay tribute to Sean Taylor DL for his exceptional dedication and leadership over the past year. His commitment to our county and to the people who serve it has set a remarkable example, and I am grateful for his support as I begin my own year of service.
Throughout my year of service, I am committed to supporting and empowering young people, while also celebrating and amplifying the extraordinary contribution of volunteers who strengthen our communities every day. I look forward to listening, learning, and championing the inspiring individuals and organisations whose work makes such a meaningful difference across our county.” – Ren Kapur MBE
Statement from the Outgoing High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Sean Taylor DL
“It is hard to believe that a year has passed since my own High Sheriff’s swearing-in ceremony, where commitments included to ‘in all things well and truly behave myself in my Office for the honour of The King and the good of His subjects’. The role is a tremendous honour, one that provides great learning and great inspiration from meeting the individuals and groups who represent the best in our community and thanking them for all they do.
Ren’s long-term commitment to public service, in particular supporting those in the armed forces who are willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to protect us, make her an ideal person to continue the role, and I am delighted to be passing on the baton to her. I am so pleased last year’s High Sheriff theme of the opportunities education offers, couples nicely with Ren’s chosen causes of focusing on empowering young people and championing volunteering. To quote one more section of the swearing-in oath, I know that Ren will ‘uphold the ancient Office of High Sheriff with selflessness, integrity and leadership’.” – Sean Taylor DL, High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire 2025–2026
Looking Ahead to 2026–2027
Throughout her year in office, Kapur will:
- Engage with youth organisations, schools, colleges, and community groups.
- Celebrate and support voluntary organisations across Berkshire.
- Recognise outstanding individuals through visits, awards, and events.
- Work closely with civic, judicial, emergency, and charitable partners to strengthen community cohesion.
And underpinning all of this, Ren will focus on bringing good causes together with the right connections, working closely with the Berkshire Community Foundation to maximise social impact across the county.
About the High Sheriff of Berkshire
The High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire represents the Sovereign in matters of law and order within the county. The role involves supporting the judiciary, police, emergency services, and voluntary organisations, while championing initiatives that strengthen community life. The first recorded Berkshire Sheriff, Godric, was killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
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