By Royal Appointment

As the Queen’s representative of the Judiciary in the county, the High Sheriffof Surrey is a demanding role. In this exclusive interview, Andy Newbold meets Her Majesty’s latest appointment, Robert Napier CBE, to find out how he intends to rise to the challenge

WHEN I asked the new High Sheriff of Surrey, Robert Napier CBE where he would like to meet for this interview, his reply was “Let’s go to Watt’s Gallery near Compton” The Artist’s village and former home of G.F.Watts, which dates back to 1904, is a favourite of his - he has been a trustee and honourary treasurer for 10 years, an example of his existing active involvement in Surrey society.

Here in Surrey we often see the High Sheriff at public events, celebrations of good works and supporting local charities,  distinguishable by the traditional attire, which usually involves ruffs and britches, and Robert has been preceded by many well-known Surrey folk including actress Penelope Keith, Richard Stilgoe and more recently Richard Whittington, who is a distant relation to the 14th century Lord Mayor of London, and later Sheriff, who spawned the Myth of ‘Dick Whittington’.

Before we find out a little more about the man himself, I asked Robert about the actual role of High Sheriff.