"Ministerial Briefcase, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster" [NMLH.2020.4.2]

Catalogue Number
NMLH.2020.4.2

Object Name
Despatch Box

Title
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

People
Douglas Houghton; Queen Elizabeth II

Description
Red ministerial briefcase, issued to Douglas Houghton by Queen Elizabeth II. The top of the box reads "Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster", meaning a minister who sits on the cabinet but does not head any particular department but is of higher rank than a Minister Without Portfolio. The key of the case is broken in the lock.