MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New Governor of Gibraltar appointed

Lt General Sir Robert Fulton KBE is to be the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar in succession to Sir Francis Richards KCMG CVO. It is expected that Sir Robert will take up his appointment in September.

The Queen has formally approved the appointment and Sir Robert has already expressed his desire to work for the people and interests of Gibraltar.

"I am delighted to be appointed as the Queen's Representative in Gibraltar which I regard as a great honour and will serve Gibraltar's people and interests to the very best of my ability. My wife and I are looking forward to our arrival in Gibraltar in September and to quickly meeting as many of you as possible," said Sir Robert. Born in 1948 and educated at Eton College and the University of East Anglia he later joined the Royal Marines in 1972.

During a distinguished with the RM spanning more than 30 years, he has occupied a number of top positions within the force, including Commandant General Royal Marines from 1998 to 2001.

In 2001 he moved to the Ministry of Defence and in June 2003 was promoted to Lieutenant General on appointment as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (for Equipment Capability).

Sir Robert is married with two sons, aged 28 and 26. His interests include military history, the theatre and music but are primarily sporting (cricket, rugby, golf and sailing).

Sir Francis Richards will be retiring at the end of the normal tour of office and is expected to depart Gibraltar in July.