The Governor of Ascension is the representative of the monarch in Ascension Island, a constituent part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. He is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the British government, his role is to act as the de facto head of state.

Governor of Ascension
Coat of arms of Ascension
since 13 August 2022
StyleHis Excellency
AppointerMonarch of the United Kingdom
Term lengthat His Majesty's pleasure
Formation2009
First holderAndrew Gurr

Prior to 2009, Ascension Island was a dependency of Saint Helena and therefore directly represented by the Governor of Saint Helena. The St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009 made Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and Tristan da Cunha, equal constituent parts of the territory with their own governments and established the position of Governor of Ascension.[1]

Governors from 2009 to present

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Per section 143 of the Constitution Order, the persons appointed as Governor of Saint Helena are ex officio also Governor of Ascension.

Recent officeholders:

Administrators, from 1964 to present

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However, as Ascension Island is 809 miles (1,302 km) away from Saint Helena, an administrator is appointed to act as the Governor's representative on the island specifically. This arrangement predates the current constitutional structure and the first administrator was appointed in 1942.

Here is a list of them since 1964, if not 1942, formally referred to as "His / Her Honour".

Resident-magistrates, from 1922 to 1964

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Commandants, 1815–1922

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References

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  1. ^ "Constitution of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Order 2009". legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Foreign & Commonwealth Office – Change of Her Majesty's Governor of St Helena". Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  3. ^ "Change of Governor of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha". Foreign & Commonwealth Office. 4 December 2018.
  4. ^ "Arrival of new Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha". St Helena Government. 27 June 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  5. ^ "Swearing in of new Administrator – Ascension Island Government".
  6. ^ "New Administrator Arrives – Ascension Island Government". Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  7. ^ Died on 16 March 2023 in Tristan da Cunha.
  8. ^ "Administrator Sean Burns Begins Official Duties – Ascension Island Government".
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