"The Queen has approved the appointment of General Sir Nicholas Houghton as the next Constable of the Tower of London in succession to General the Lord Dannatt with effect 31 July 2016," the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release published on the UK government's website.
Gen. Houghton has served as the head of Britain's armed forces since 2013, previously serving as vice chief of the defense staff between 2009 and 2013. Gen. Houghton's military career included service in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, as well as Iraq during the US-led coalition's invasion of Iraq.
Constable of the Tower is a ceremonial post in charge of the Tower of London. The Tower is a royal palace and a fortress, with the constable responsible for taking part in traditional ceremonies while entrusting the day-to-day running of the Tower to the resident governor.
Since the late 18th century, the post has been held by senior military officers. More recently, field marshals and retired generals have served as the Tower's constable for a period of five years.
