Rear-Admiral David Charles Cairns, 5th Earl Cairns GCVO CB (3 July 1909–21 March 1989), was Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps in the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom from 1962 to 1971.
Born 1909, and succeeding as the 5th Earl Cairns in 1946, Lord Cairns was a career officer of the Royal Navy. His last posting was as President of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich 1958 to 1961.
Lord Cairns was a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers of the City of London, rising to become the Company's Prime Warden, and for many years was Chairman of the Governing Body of Gresham's School.
On his death in 1989 he was succeeded by his son Simon Dallas Cairns.
| Peerage of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Wilfred Cairns |
Earl Cairns 1946–1989 |
Succeeded by Simon Cairns |