 In 1981, he became Lord Lieutenant of Armagh, after Norman Stronge was killed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in an armed assault on his home, Tynan Abbey.During this time, he resided at Laurelvale House, Laurelvale – originally the home of industrialist Thomas Sinton.He was also a justice of the peace, served as High Sheriff of Armagh in 1979 and was aide-de-camp to the Queen.