History was made on the streets of London as Dame Susan Langley became the first ever Lady Mayor of the City of London, a title created more than 800 years after the mayoralty was established.
A Landmark Celebration
On Saturday, 8th November 2025, a vibrant and historic procession wound its way through the capital to celebrate Dame Susan Langley. As the 697th Lord Mayor of London, she is the head of the City of London Corporation, but she is the first to be officially titled Lady Mayor of London. While she is the third woman to hold the post, her two female predecessors were not accorded this specific title.
The three-mile-long Lady Mayor's Show set off from the mayor's official residence, Mansion House. Dame Susan travelled from there to the Royal Courts of Justice in the state coach, where she swore an oath of allegiance to the sovereign.
A Spectacular Public Display
The procession was a magnificent spectacle, featuring more than 7,000 participants. Marching bands, livery companies, and representatives from the armed forces were joined by youth organisations and dancers from across the globe.
Notable participants included the Gordonstoun School's Pipe Band from Scotland, the Pearly Kings and Queens—who took part for the first time—and the Bank of China with its dancing dragons. The Life Guards, a division of the Household Cavalry, also joined the march, while Aldermen waved to spectators from the top of a double-decker bus.
The Woman Making History
Dame Susan Langley, 62, has an impressive background in public service and business. She previously served as the lead non-executive director at the Home Office and was awarded a damehood in 2023 for her public service to the financial services industry.
She is currently the chairwoman of insurance broker Gallagher UK and was instrumental in founding the Women's Business Council, which advises the government on boosting women's contributions to economic growth.
Her term began with the Silent Ceremony at the Great Hall of the Guildhall on Friday, before she was properly introduced to the public in Saturday's show. Each Lord or Lady Mayor of the City of London serves a one-year term, acting as an international ambassador for the UK's financial and professional services sector and working closely with the Mayor of London.
The first Lord Mayor's Show, recognised as the world's oldest civic procession, dates back to 1215, when King John granted the City of London the right to appoint its own mayor.
