MRS Hilary Weston, the Irish-born wife of millionaire businessman Galen Weston has been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.
In her new role, Mrs Weston, who lives in Toronto, will act as the representative for the Queen of England as head of the provincial government. Her appointment was announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mr Jean Chretien yesterday.
The position of Lieutenant-Governor is largely ceremonial and includes such functions as reading the speech from the throne at the opening of the legislature and signing new Bills into law.
The Lieutenant-Governor also has powers which may be exercised at her discretion, such as the appointment of the premier of the province and the dissolution of the legislature.
Born in Dublin, Mrs Weston is a director of the Brown Thomas department store, which was purchased by her husband in 1970.
She is currently deputy chairwoman of Canadian department store Bolt Renfrew as well as a founding member of the Ireland Fund for Canada. Mrs Weston has also co-authored two books - In a Canadian Garden and At Home in Canada.
Educated at Loreto Abbey in Dalkey, Co Dublin, she worked as a professional model before her marriage in 1966. The couple have two children.
Mr Weston's family controls Associated British Foods, the owners of a number of Irish supermarket chains including Quinnsworth and Penneys and Stewarts/Crazy Prices in Northern Ireland.
