Functions The office has always been largely ceremonial. The person appointed invariably has a distinguished record of public service in Scotland as well as having close connections with the church, often being an Elder of the Church of Scotland. On behalf of the monarch, the Lord High Commissioner attends the General Assembly, makes opening and closing addresses to the Assembly, and carries out a number of official visits and ceremonial functions (not all related to the Church of Scotland). At the formal opening of the General Assembly, the Principal Clerk reads out the
Royal Warrant appointing the Lord High Commissioner, who is then invited to address the Assembly. All ministers,
elders and
deacons appointed by Presbyteries to attend the General Assembly are known as "Commissioners" and have voting powers; the Lord High Commissioner, however, has no vote, nor may he/she intervene in debates. Apart from his/her opening and closing addresses, the Lord High Commissioner makes no further intervention in Assembly debates but will be in daily attendance for at least part of each day's business. Following the Assembly, the Lord High Commissioner personally informs
The King about the business of the week. The Lord High Commissioner also visits the General Assembly of the
Free Church of Scotland annually, which is held on the same week as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, also within Edinburgh.
Form of address is the Commissioner's residence While the General Assembly is meeting, the Lord High Commissioner is treated as if a
regent. By custom, he or she is addressed as "Your Grace" and is greeted with a bow or curtsey. When the
Princess Royal was appointed in 1996, she was styled as "Her Grace" for the duration rather than her normal dynastic style "Her Royal Highness" because the Lord High Commissioner is ranked higher in the order of precedence. If a woman is appointed to the office, the alternative title "His Majesty's High Commissioner" may, if requested, be used.
Margaret Herbison was the first woman to hold the post (1970 and 1971).
Residence Since 1834 the Lord High Commissioner has resided at the
Palace of Holyroodhouse and gave a
garden party for Commissioners to the General Assembly on the Saturday afternoon of Assembly week and other hospitality. He or she is entitled to use the
Scottish Royal Banner, and has
precedence immediately after the King and before the rest of the
Royal Family. Even his or her official car receives special treatment and, except for the King's, is the only vehicle in the country not to have
number plates. However, the plates are re-attached during the closing speech of the Assembly, and the Lord High Commissioner returns to his royal but temporary residence as an ordinary citizen. In recent years, the garden party has been replaced by the "Heart and Soul" event, held in Princes Street Gardens and attended by the Lord High Commissioner. ==Household==