Quick Facts
Biography
Colonel Edward Thomas Bolitho, OBE (born 30 December 1955), elder son of Major Simon Bolitho MC, served as a Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall from 2008 until his appointment in September 2011 as Lord-Lieutenant. He was also High Sheriff of the county from March 2011 to March 2012, an unusual combination of roles in modern times.
Personal life
Bolitho was born at Penzance, Cornwall to Major Simon Edward Bolitho, a previous High Sheriff of Cornwall, and is the grandson of Sir Edward Bolitho, who was also a Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall. After Eton, he went up to Pembroke College, Cambridge, but returned to Cornwall in 1998 after a career in the Army. In 1979, Bolitho married Alexandra, younger daughter of Sir Morgan Morgan-Giles, and the couple have three children, twin daughters and a son; all are enthusiastic Cornish Pirates supporters.
Military career
Bolitho joined the Grenadier Guards in 1978, serving with the regiment for 20 years. He commanded the 1st Battalion between 1993 and 1995 during which time he was appointed as OBE.
Later life
On returning to Cornwall, Bolitho took over the management of Bolitho Estates, a family-owned business which develops, renovates, and leases out farms, houses, and commercial properties. It also manages some leisure activities, including Trewidden, Trengwainton Garden (in partnership with the National Trust) and holiday properties and is closely involved in conservation matters. Bolitho is also Chairman of the South West Region committee of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and has a part in other local activities, including the Penzance Sea Cadets, the Penwith Farming Forum, and the Royal Cornwall Show.
Bolitho served as High Sheriff of Cornwall from March 2011 until March 2012. In September 2011 he was appointed as the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, succeeding Lady Mary Holborow, having been one of her Deputy Lieutenants.
Bolitho's current Lord Lieutenant Cadet on behalf of the Air Training Corps is Cadet Warrant Officer William Cattrall, Sea Cadets: PO Hannah Green, Army Cadets: RSM Matthew Cunnliffe. All three will be serving from 2014-2015
Bolitho is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths' Company.