Kent Messenger Group President and Deputy Lieutenant Edwin Boorman talks to Lord Lieutenant of Kent Allan Willett about his views on the monarchy.

THE monarchy, which you represent in our county, has taken a few knocks in the past two decades. How relevant do you believe it is in the 21st century, and by the same token how relevant are the County Lieutenancies in this modern age?

"If you talk to Sir Robert Worcester who founded the MORI poll and is one of my Deputy Lieutenants, he's been asking the public the same question – do you want a monarchy? – for years and has had exactly the same answer: a resounding yes!

"Of course, there are some who are going to disagree, but in my opinion a monarchy is a benefit in this country, and not just for reasons of nostalgia about the past. If you were starting a new country you might not include a monarchy. But we are not starting a new country.

"We are talking about a country that's well over 1,000 years old. It's always had a monarchy, it's part of the fabric of the Nation, of our legal system, inextricably linked to our Armed Forces and so on.

"The monarchy is reflected everywhere we turn and it would be terribly unwise to get rid of that.

"Of course at the present time we have a most remarkable woman as our Queen and God bless her, but that doesn't alter the fact that a constitutional monarchy is fundamental to our way of life and belief in this country and I don't think we should change it.

"By the same token, I strongly believe that the Lieutenancies are an important part of the glue that holds our communities together, celebrating each county's identity and helping to project the interests of its people.

"There's no divine right to have a Lieutenancy. It's only if we can add value to people's lives in Kent that we deserve to exist and I can't be the judge of whether we're doing that or not – it's up to the people."

Following the sale of Willett International you could easily have retired. What drives you to continue in this unpaid role?

"It's a very heartfelt thing. I was lucky enough to have been brought up on a farm in the Isle of Thanet, I used to live in Sevenoaks and now live in Chilham. I know the county and I believe in Kent.

"The Lieutenancy has given me the opportunity to put something back – it's as simple as that.

"I don't want to sit on a beach. Yes, I've been through a difficult period with my health, but now I am getting my strength back I feel I'm once again up to the challenge and ready to continue to serve the people of Kent and its wonderful diverse communities."