Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst KCVO, CBE, embodies a life of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty. Born on April 15, 1964, in Haslemere, Surrey, England, he is the son of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst. Educated at Eton College, he furthered his studies at the University of Bristol, earning a Bachelor of Science degree, and later at Cranfield University, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree.
Commissioned into the Welsh Guards in 1983, Sir Ben’s military career is distinguished by a series of significant appointments and commendations. He served as the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and held key positions such as Director of Public Relations (Army) and Deputy Director of Strategy, Policy & Assessment in Baghdad. His leadership extended to roles including Senior British Military Representative in Afghanistan and Major General Commanding the Household Division in London.
In recognition of his exemplary service, Sir Ben was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005 and later elevated to Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO). He also received international honors, including the Officer of the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal from the United States.
In June 2024, Sir Ben Bathurst was appointed as the Governor of Gibraltar, succeeding Vice Admiral Sir David Steel. His appointment marked a new chapter in Gibraltar’s leadership, with Sir Ben bringing a wealth of experience and a deep sense of duty to the role. He was sworn in at a ceremony in Parliament, becoming the first Governor of Gibraltar appointed by King Charles III.
Beyond his military accolades, Sir Ben is a devoted family man and a passionate advocate for the values of service, integrity, and community. His leadership continues to inspire confidence and pride among the people of Gibraltar, as he works tirelessly to uphold the traditions and responsibilities of his esteemed office.
The Governor of Gibraltar is the representative of the British monarch in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. The governor is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the British Government. The role of the governor is to act as the de facto head of state. The Governor is the representative of Her Majesty The Queen in a British Overseas Territory.
The Governor acts as the de facto head of state and is usually responsible for appointing the head of government, and senior political positions in the territory. The Governor is also responsible for liaising with the UK Government, and carrying out any ceremonial duties.
The Office of the Governor also supports dialogue between Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and Her Majesty’s Government in the UK on a range of issues, to further develop the modern partnership between Britain and Gibraltar.
Our services
Our mission is to support the Governor and Commander-in-Chief in carrying out his constitutional role and duties as Her Majesty’s Representative in Gibraltar
The Governor has special responsibilities for the conduct in Gibraltar of:
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