Lady Ghazala Hameed has been appointed High Sheriff of Greater London. Lady Hameed, who is originally from Pakistan and a doctor, is the wife of Lord Khalid Hameed of Hampstead, a crossbench peer.
The position of High Sheriff of Greater London, now a ceremonial one, has been in existence for 1,000 years. It is the second oldest public post in England after the monarch. A High Sheriff's duties include supporting the British royal family and high court judges.
Lady Hameed is the founder and chairperson of the Concern for Mental Health charity.
Lord Hameed, too, was once the High Sheriff of Greater London. A distinguished doctor, he was for many years the Executive Director and CEO of London's Cromwell Hospital. He is now the Chairman and CEO of the London International Hospital.
Lord Hameed hails from Lucknow in India and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan Award.
