Lord Lieutenant of Kent Allan Willett CMG is suffering from cancer, it has been announced.
Mr Willett will undergo surgery and radiotherapy this month after a recurrence of the prostate cancer he thought he had beaten 14 years ago.
He is hoping to be back taking public duties as soon as August.
Mr Willett said: “My attitude has always been to treat this cancer with extreme aggression, as I am doing now. After the treatment I am determined to carry out my duties as the Queen’s representative for Kent for the full term of my appointment, which ends August 2011, when I will be 75.
“During my enforced absence I have every confidence that my excellent team will continue their good work.”
While he is recuperating, his place as the Queen’s representative in Kent will be taken by Vice Lord Lieutenant Lord De L’Isle MBE DL.