A former army major general and landowner has been selected as next year's High Sheriff of Norfolk.

Major General Sir William George Cubitt KCVO CBE, of Honing, near North Walsham mingled with 50 other prospective high sheriffs from all over England and Wales at London's High Court on Thursday.

They packed into the historic wood panelled court of the Lord Chief Justice to hear their nominations approved by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, and three more of the country's top judges – Lord Justice Moore-Bick, Mr Justice Andrew Smith and Mrs Justice Thirlwall.

Sir William will take up the office of High Sheriff next March, taking over from current High Sheriff of Norfolk, Nicholas Pratt,

Before then he will take part in another ancient ceremony at the Privy Council in London. There the Queen, using a silver bodkin in a practice dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria, will prick the names of the new appointees on a parchment list to give the Royal seal of approval.

Sir William, of the Honing Estate, near North Walsham, served 34 years in the army.

During his four years in command of the army's presence in London, from 2007 to 2011, he provided troops for events in the City, such as The Lord Mayor's Show, and promoted the army with the City authorities and community.

As General Officer Commanding London District, Sir William was in charge of the military aspects of the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton.

In 2012 he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London at the Guildhall.

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