The High Sheriff of Berkshire

An historic office serving the Royal County of Berkshire

Contact the High Sheriff

Welcome

The High Sheriff of Berkshire is the Sovereign’s representative for law and order in the county. It is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom, with roots stretching back over a thousand years. Today, the role of the sheriff focusses on supporting the judiciary, police, voluntary sector and community life.

The current High Sheriff is Ren Kapur MBE, appointed for 2026–27. A business leader and long‑standing champion of public service, Ren’s shrieval year is focused on supporting young people and celebrating the vital contribution of volunteers across the Royal County of Berkshire.

Meet the High Sheriff and Team

Learn more about Ren Kapur, the Under Sheriff, and the Chaplain, and their roles in serving Berkshire through ceremony, law, and community engagement.

Ren Kapur MBE

The High Sheriff

Jonathan Gater

The Under-Sheriff

Reverend David Chislett

Chaplain to the High Sheriff
Meet the High Sheriff

History of the High Sheriff

Discover the origins of the office from Saxon times to the present day, including its powers, traditions, and how the role has evolved over the centuries.

Discover the History

High Sheriff, Ren Kapur MBE, laying a wreath at RAF Welford

The High Sheriff’s Awards

Nominate candidates from within Berkshire for the High Sheriff’s annual awards.
Nominate a Candidate

Events Attendance

See recent highlights of the High Sheriff’s work across Berkshire.
Discover Recent Events

Events

As High Sheriff, representing the Royal County of Berkshire, it was a true privilege to attend the Judges’ Dinner with the High Court Judges.

There are some occasions that remind you not only of the importance of public service, but also of the deep history and tradition that sit behind our institutions.

To be in such distinguished company, surrounded by those who serve justice at the highest level, was both humbling and inspiring.

The setting itself carried a remarkable sense of history, with echoes of the Knights Templar and their legacy woven into the story of law, duty and service. It was a powerful reminder that the principles of justice, honour and responsibility have been carried through generations.

A particularly special moment was seeing the portrait painted for Rev. Robin, who will soon be stepping down. While his formal duties may be coming to a close, his presence, service and spirit will forever remain with his portrait continuing to watch over all those who gather there in the years ahead.

My sincere thanks to everyone who made the evening so memorable.

7 1
Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18066066911443928
As High Sheriff, representing the Royal County of Berkshire, it was a true privilege to attend the Judges’ Dinner with the High Court Judges. There are some occasions that remind you not only of the importance of public service, but also of the deep history and tradition that sit behind our institutions. To be in such distinguished company, surrounded by those who serve justice at the highest level, was both humbling and inspiring. The setting itself carried a remarkable sense of history, with echoes of the Knights Templar and their legacy woven into the story of law, duty and service. It was a powerful reminder that the principles of justice, honour and responsibility have been carried through generations. A particularly special moment was seeing the portrait painted for Rev. Robin, who will soon be stepping down. While his formal duties may be coming to a close, his presence, service and spirit will forever remain with his portrait continuing to watch over all those who gather there in the years ahead. My sincere thanks to everyone who made the evening so memorable.

…

7 1

Sundays are special for so many reasons, breakfast or brunch, reading the papers, and hopefully a little time with family.

Last Sunday was made even more meaningful by my visit to St Mary’s Church, Wargrave. A first for me, and an experience I will forever remember.

As High Sheriff, it felt especially poignant to speak about community, care, belonging, and having faith that, even in challenging times, things can and will be alright.

With my Chaplain, who is also the Vicar of St Mary’s, I felt a real sense of welcome from the moment I walked through the doors and a quiet sense of blessing too.

Thank you to Wargrave, to St Mary’s, and to everyone who made me feel so warmly received. A beautiful Sunday, and one I will remember.

#HighSheriffOfBerkshire #Wargrave #StMarysWargrave #Community #Faith Belonging Berkshire SundayReflections

5 0
Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18054193334772405
Sundays are special for so many reasons, breakfast or brunch, reading the papers, and hopefully a little time with family. Last Sunday was made even more meaningful by my visit to St Mary’s Church, Wargrave. A first for me, and an experience I will forever remember. As High Sheriff, it felt especially poignant to speak about community, care, belonging, and having faith that, even in challenging times, things can and will be alright. With my Chaplain, who is also the Vicar of St Mary’s, I felt a real sense of welcome from the moment I walked through the doors and a quiet sense of blessing too. Thank you to Wargrave, to St Mary’s, and to everyone who made me feel so warmly received. A beautiful Sunday, and one I will remember. #HighSheriffOfBerkshire #Wargrave #StMarysWargrave #Community #Faith Belonging Berkshire SundayReflections

…

5 0

More Events

Contact the High Sheriff

Find out how to invite the High Sheriff to your event.

Contact the High Sheriff