The main duties of the Lord-Lieutenant are to:
- arrange Royal Visits to Cumbria
- oversee local nominations for The King's Award for Voluntary Service
- attend Royal Garden Parties
- present medals and awards on behalf of His Majesty, including The King's Award for Enterprise
- validate local Honours Nominations
- lead the local magistracy as Chairman of the Cumbria Advisory Committee on the Appointment of Justices for the Peace
- liaise and support local units of the Armed Forces, their veteran associations and their Cadet Forces
- participate in civic, voluntary and social activities