Governors of Gibraltar are the representative of the British monarch in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. The Governor is appointed by the British Monarch on the advice of the British Government. The role of the Governor is to act as the de facto head of state, and they are responsible for formally appointing the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, along with other members of the Government of Gibraltar, after a general election. The Governor serves as Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar’s military forces and has sole responsibility for defence and security.
Governors have their own coat of arms and the official residence is The Convent.
Since 4th August 1704, after the Capture of Gibraltar (The Eleventh Siege), 92 people have held the post of Governor, (or acting or Deputy Governor) of Gibraltar. John Shrimpton was the first British Governor and held the post from December 1704 – December 1707.
From August 1704 to February 1997, all of the Governors were, or had serviced in a military post before becoming Governor.
Leslie Pallett became the first woman to hold the post of Deputy Governor in October 2009. There have only been 2 women who have held the post.
The current Governor is, Sir David Steel who was sworn in on 11th June 2020.
Vice Admiral Sir David George Steel
