In a landmark moment for the capital, London has inaugurated its first-ever Lady Mayor, breaking an 800-year tradition. Dame Susan Langley has been officially sworn in as the 697th Lord Mayor of London, becoming the first to hold the title of Lady Mayor of London.
A Historic Ceremony and Spectacular Show
The momentous occasion began with the Silent Ceremony at the Great Hall of the Guildhall on Friday, where the alderwoman formally took office. This was followed on Saturday by the world-famous Lady Mayor's Show, a vibrant procession that dates back centuries.
The three-mile-long parade set off from the mayor's official residence, Mansion House in the Square Mile. Dame Susan was photographed waving cheerfully from the ornate state coach as she travelled to the Royal Courts of Justice to swear an oath of allegiance to the sovereign.
An 800-Year Legacy Evolves
The Lord Mayor's Show is the world's oldest civic procession. Its origins trace back to 1215, when King John granted a charter allowing the City of London to appoint its own mayor. This historic document was issued mere months before the Magna Carta was signed.
The original charter decreed that each newly-elected mayor must travel to Westminster to pledge loyalty to the monarch. While Dame Susan is the third woman to hold the elected post, she is the first to be officially titled Lady Mayor of London, a significant evolution in the role's history.
The Role of the Modern Lady Mayor
During her one-year term, the Lady Mayor of the City of London will serve as a key international ambassador for the UK's financial and professional services sector. She will also work closely with the Mayor of London to promote the city's interests.
The 62-year-old, who was born in east London, brings a wealth of experience to the role. She is the chairwoman of insurance broker Gallagher UK and was previously a lead non-executive director at the Home Office. Her contributions to the financial services industry were recognised with a damehood in 2023.
Dame Susan also played a pivotal role in founding the Women's Business Council, which advises the Government on how to enhance women's contributions to economic growth.
The annual celebration, which saw a 7,000-strong march featuring marching bands, livery companies, armed forces representatives, and youth organisations, resulted in the closure of most roads in the City of London, as is tradition for this historic event.
