Admiral Sir George Zambellas Assumes Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports Position

Admiral Sir George Zambellas was formally installed as the new Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports during a ceremony held in Dover, Kent. This event occurred five months after his appointment by the King and succeeds the late Admiral the Lord Boyce, who had held the Lord Warden title since 2004. The role was initially established in the 11th Century with the purpose of safeguarding the Kent and Sussex coastlines, predating the formation of the Royal Navy. Notable past occupants of this position include the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, and the Queen Mother. The Confederation of the Cinque Ports encompasses member towns such as Deal, Dover, Faversham, Hythe, Lydd, Margate, New Romney, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Folkestone, and Tenterden in Kent, alongside Hastings, Rye, and Winchelsea in East Sussex. Currently, the post is largely ceremonial; however, the Lord Warden is granted the use of Walmer Castle in Deal as an official residence. Admiral Sir George Zambellas stated: “It’s a huge honour and I never ever thought it would fall to me. I know many others would love the role. I expect I was handed it because I spent a long time in the military and have got to contribute to a number of defence and security opportunities over the years.“ He added: “I am a Dorset boy so it will be a little harder for me to spend time down here but that’s part of the challenge and fun of it. I hope I will be able to use Walmer Castle as a base but if not it will be like it has been over the last few days, an Airbnb in Deal, and that’s fine for me and that way we will get to know each other and get to know the community.”