The Royal Households of the United Kingdom are the collective departments that support members of the
British royal family. Many members of the royal family who undertake public duties have separate households. They vary considerably in size, from the large
Royal Household that supports the
sovereign
''Sovereign'' is a title which can be applied to the highest leader in various categories. The word is borrowed from Old French , which is ultimately derived from the Latin , meaning 'above'.
The roles of a sovereign vary from monarch, ruler or ...
to the household of the
Prince
A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. ...
and
Princess of Wales
Princess of Wales (Welsh: ''Tywysoges Cymru'') is a courtesy title used since the 14th century by the wife of the heir apparent to the English and later British throne. The current title-holder is Catherine (née Middleton).
The title was fi ...
, with fewer members.
In addition to the royal officials and support staff, the sovereign's own household incorporates representatives of other estates of the realm, including the government, the military, and the church.
Government whips,
defence chiefs, several
clerics
Clergy are formal leaders within established religions. Their roles and functions vary in different religious traditions, but usually involve presiding over specific rituals and teaching their religion's doctrines and practices. Some of the te ...
,
scientists
A scientist is a person who conducts scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of the natural sciences.
In classical antiquity, there was no real ancient analog of a modern scientist. Instead, philosophers engaged in the philosophi ...
,
musicians
A musician is a person who composes, conducts, or performs music. According to the United States Employment Service, "musician" is a general term used to designate one who follows music as a profession. Musicians include songwriters who w ...
,
poets
A poet is a person who studies and creates poetry. Poets may describe themselves as such or be described as such by others. A poet may simply be the creator ( thinker, songwriter, writer, or author) who creates (composes) poems (oral or writt ...
, and
artists hold honorary positions within the Royal Household. In this way, the Royal Household may be seen as having a symbolic, as well as a practical, function: exemplifying the monarchy's close relationship with other parts of the constitution and of national life.
History
The royal household grew out of the earlier "
thegnhood". Among the most eminent and powerful of the king's
thegns were his "dishthegn", his "bowerthegn", and his horsethegn or staller. In
Normandy at the time of the Conquest a similar arrangement, borrowed from the French court, had long been established. Norman dukes, like their overlords the kings of France, had their
seneschal or
steward
Steward may refer to:
Positions or roles
* Steward (office), a representative of a monarch
* Steward (Methodism), a leader in a congregation and/or district
* Steward, a person responsible for supplies of food to a college, club, or other ins ...
, their
chamberlain and their
constable
A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in criminal law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions. A constable is commonly the rank of an officer within the police. Other peop ...
. After the
Norman Conquest
The Norman Conquest (or the Conquest) was the 11th-century invasion and occupation of England by an army made up of thousands of Norman, Breton, Flemish, and French troops, all led by the Duke of Normandy, later styled William the Conq ...
, the ducal household of
Normandy
Normandy (; french: link=no, Normandie ; nrf, Normaundie, Nouormandie ; from Old French , plural of ''Normant'', originally from the word for "northman" in several Scandinavian languages) is a geographical and cultural region in Northwestern ...
was reproduced in the royal household of England; and since, in the spirit of
feudalism
Feudalism, also known as the feudal system, was the combination of the legal, economic, military, cultural and political customs that flourished in medieval Europe between the 9th and 15th centuries. Broadly defined, it was a way of structu ...
, the great offices of the first and second were made hereditary. Thenceforth they were held by the grantees and their descendants as a holder of tenure in grand
serjeanty of the Crown.
By the time of
Henry I Henry I may refer to:
876–1366
* Henry I the Fowler, King of Germany (876–936)
* Henry I, Duke of Bavaria (died 955)
* Henry I of Austria, Margrave of Austria (died 1018)
* Henry I of France (1008–1060)
* Henry I the Long, Margrave of the N ...
(), the royal household was divided into five departments as described in the . The Chapel—led by the
lord chancellor
The lord chancellor, formally the lord high chancellor of Great Britain, is the highest-ranking traditional minister among the Great Officers of State in Scotland and England in the United Kingdom, nominally outranking the prime minister. Th ...
—served the king's spiritual and secretarial needs. Subordinate to the chancellor was the master of the writing office (or
chancery) who supervised the clerks who wrote various government documents. The Chamber was the main financial office within the king's government and also saw to the king's personal needs. The Chamber was led by the master chamberlain (Latin , later called the
Lord Great Chamberlain
The Lord Great Chamberlain of England is the sixth of the Great Officers of State, ranking beneath the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and above the Lord High Constable. The Lord Great Chamberlain has charge over the Palace of Westminster (tho ...
), lesser chamberlains, and other officials. The next department was the Hall, led by the stewards who probably were four in number and served in rotation. The
buttery was led by the
butler. The constabulary-marshalsea constituted the outdoor staff (including a large number of hunting officials) under the authority of the constables and master-marshal. These officers also supervised the knights of the royal household, who formed the backbone of the king's army. Knights of the or military household were often young men from prominent families for whom receiving military training in the king's household was considered a great honor. Others were younger sons forced to make their own way in the world.
Over time, the offices of
Lord High Steward and Lord Great Chamberlain lost both their political functions, which were taken over by the
Chief Justiciar and
Lord High Treasurer
The post of Lord High Treasurer or Lord Treasurer was an English government position and has been a British government position since the Acts of Union of 1707. A holder of the post would be the third-highest-ranked Great Officer of State ...
, and their domestic functions, which were taken over by the
lord steward
The Lord Steward or Lord Steward of the Household is an official of the Royal Household in England. He is always a peer. Until 1924, he was always a member of the Government. Until 1782, the office was one of considerable political importance a ...
and
lord chamberlain
The Lord Chamberlain of the Household is the most senior officer of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom, supervising the departments which support and provide advice to the Sovereign of the United Kingdom while also acting as the main c ...
. The
marshal of England took the place of the constable of England in the royal palace and was associated with him in the command of the royal armies. The marshalship and the constableship became hereditary, and, although the
Lord High Constable and
Earl Marshal retained their military authority until a comparatively late period, their original duties were transferred to the
master of the horse. In these circumstances the holders of the original
great offices of state and the household ceased to attend court except on occasions of extraordinary ceremony, and their representatives either by inheritance or by special appointment continued to appear at
coronations and some other public solemnities, such as the
State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening of Parliament is a ceremonial event which formally marks the beginning of a session of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It includes a speech from the throne known as the King's (or Queen's) Speech. The event takes plac ...
or
trials by the House of Lords.
According to the (the Black Book of the household of
Edward IV
Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a central figure in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in Englan ...
) written between 1467 and 1477, the household was divided into the (the Chamber) and the (the Hall). The was led by the lord steward, who was in charge of the household's finances and led the counting house (the
Board of Green Cloth
The Board of Green Cloth was a board of officials belonging to the Royal Household of England and Great Britain. It took its name from the tablecloth of green baize that covered the table at which its members sat.
It audited the accounts of the ...
). Financial officers serving under the lord steward were:
*
Treasurer of the Household
*
Comptroller of the Household
*
Cofferer of the Household
The Cofferer of the Household was formerly an office in the English and British Royal Household. Next in rank to the Comptroller, the holder paid the wages of some of the servants above and below stairs, was a member of the Board of Green Cloth, ...
* two
Clerks of the Green Cloth
The lord steward's department also included the service areas (kitchens, bakehouse, buttery, laundry, woodyard, etc.) and the
great hall
A great hall is the main room of a royal palace, castle or a large manor house or hall house in the Middle Ages, and continued to be built in the country houses of the 16th and early 17th centuries, although by then the family used the gr ...
where most of the household officers ate. The was led by the lord chamberlain. His department was responsible for the royal apartments and the people who served there:
* body servants
* waiting staff
* royal physicians
*
chaplains
A chaplain is, traditionally, a cleric (such as a minister, priest, pastor, rabbi, purohit, or imam), or a lay representative of a religious tradition, attached to a secular institution (such as a hospital, prison, military unit, intel ...
*
gentlemen ushers Gentleman Usher is a title for some officers of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom. See List of Gentlemen Ushers for a list of office-holders.
Gentlemen Ushers as servants Historical
Gentlemen Ushers were originally a class of servants fou ...
*
yeoman ushers
*
grooms
A bridegroom (often shortened to groom) is a man who is about to be married or who is newlywed.
When marrying, the bridegroom's future spouse (if female) is usually referred to as the bride. A bridegroom is typically attended by a best man a ...
*
pages
Page most commonly refers to:
* Page (paper), one side of a leaf of paper, as in a book
Page, PAGE, pages, or paging may also refer to:
Roles
* Page (assistance occupation), a professional occupation
* Page (servant), traditionally a young mal ...
In the 15th century, the Chamber divided into two sub-departments: the
great chamber and the
privy chamber. The privy chamber was overseen by
grooms of the chamber, led by the
groom of the stool
The Groom of the Stool (formally styled: "Groom of the King's Close Stool") was the most intimate of an English monarch's courtiers, responsible for assisting the king in excretion and hygiene.
The physical intimacy of the role naturally le ...
. The groom of the stool was one of the most powerful officials in the household until the office was abolished in 1837. He or she (when the monarch was female) acted as a royal
gatekeeper, allowing or denying other household officials access to the monarch.
In its main outlines the existing organisation of the royal household is essentially the same as it was under the
Tudors or the
Plantagenets. It is divided into three principal departments, at the head of which are the lord steward, the lord chamberlain and the master of the horse, and the respective provinces of which may be generally described as "below stairs", "above stairs" and "out of doors". The duties of these officials, and the various officers under their charge are dealt with in the articles under those headings. When the reigning sovereign is a queen, the royal household is in some other respects rather differently arranged from that of a king and a queen consort.
Under a king and a queen consort, a separate establishment "above stairs" and "out of doors" works for the queen consort. She has a
Lord Chamberlain
The Lord Chamberlain of the Household is the most senior officer of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom, supervising the departments which support and provide advice to the Sovereign of the United Kingdom while also acting as the main c ...
's department of her own, and all the ladies of the court from the
Mistress of the Robes to the
Maids of Honour
A maid of honour is a junior attendant of a queen in royal households. The position was and is junior to the lady-in-waiting. The equivalent title and office has historically been used in most European royal courts.
Role
Traditionally, a queen ...
are in her service. At the commencement of the reign of Queen Victoria, the two establishments were combined, and considerably reduced. On the accession of
Edward VII
Edward VII (Albert Edward; 9 November 1841 – 6 May 1910) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India, from 22 January 1901 until Death and state funeral of Edward VII, his death in 1910.
The second chil ...
, the
civil list
A civil list is a list of individuals to whom money is paid by the government, typically for service to the state or as honorary pensions. It is a term especially associated with the United Kingdom and its former colonies of Canada, India, New Zeal ...
was again reconstituted; while the household of the king and his consort became larger than during the previous reign, redundant or unnecessary offices were merged or abolished.
The
household of Elizabeth II
The Royal Households of the United Kingdom consist of royal officials and the supporting staff of the British royal family, as well as the Royal Household which supports the Sovereign. Each member of the Royal Family who undertakes public duties ...
included 1,200 employees. This was roughly the same size as
Charles II's household but larger than
Victoria's, whose staff numbered 921.
The King and Queen Consort
Start of the new reign
Appointing a new monarch's household can take some time; in 1952 the full list of appointments to the new Queen's household was not published until almost six months after her accession to the throne.
In 2022, walking in the state procession for the
state funeral of Elizabeth II
On 8 September 2022, at 15:10 BST, Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, and the longest-reigning British monarch, died of old age at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, at the age of 96. The Queen's death ...
, the new King was followed by his Private Secretary, Principal Private Secretary, Master of the Household and two Equerries; however, since the King's new household had yet to be appointed they were gazetted, not as 'His Majesty's Household', but as the 'Household of the former Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall'.
On 13 September, five days after the death of his mother,
Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during ...
, 100 staff who had been working for
King Charles III while he was Prince of Wales were notified of potential redundancies. This reflects the uncertain situation of members of the Royal Households at the start of each new reign: in the days following the death of King
James I James I may refer to:
People
*James I of Aragon (1208–1276)
*James I of Sicily or James II of Aragon (1267–1327)
*James I, Count of La Marche (1319–1362), Count of Ponthieu
*James I, Count of Urgell (1321–1347)
*James I of Cyprus (1334–13 ...
in 1625, the
Countess of Bedford remarked 'What the King's resolution is yet for his own and his father's servants, he hath not declared (farther than the
white staves, which are to remain as they were); but for the
green cloth and other inferior officers both of the
household
A household consists of two or more persons who live in the same dwelling. It may be of a single family or another type of person group. The household is the basic unit of analysis in many social, microeconomic and government models, and is i ...
and
chamber
Chamber or the chamber may refer to:
In government and organizations
*Chamber of commerce, an organization of business owners to promote commercial interests
*Legislative chamber, in politics
*Debate chamber, the space or room that houses deliber ...
, it is thought that he will employ his own and dismiss his father's, because he hath caused the latter all to be removed to
Denmark House to attend the body, and lodged the former about himself at
Whitehall'.
As consort of the British sovereign,
Queen Camilla will receive a household of her own. Traditionally, queens consort have appointed their own Lord Chamberlain and various
ladies-in-waiting as part of their household. This tradition was scrapped in accordance with the King's view of having a slimmed-down monarchy, and instead of ladies-in-waiting, Queen Camilla will be served by "Queen's companions", a group of six ladies that will occupy the new occasional and informal position and will not be involved in tasks such as replying to letters or developing schedules.
The Queen's companions are the Marchioness of Lansdowne, Jane von Westenholz, Lady Brooke,
Sarah Troughton, Lady Sarah Keswick and
Baroness Chisholm.
Major Ollie Plunket will serve as the Queen Consort's equerry.
Queen Elizabeth II's ladies-in-waiting will be given new roles as "ladies of the household".
Present arrangements
The Household is for the time being configured as follows (according to the arrangements inherited from Elizabeth II):
Great Officers
The Great Officers of the Household are, in order of seniority, the
Lord Steward
The Lord Steward or Lord Steward of the Household is an official of the Royal Household in England. He is always a peer. Until 1924, he was always a member of the Government. Until 1782, the office was one of considerable political importance a ...
, the
Lord Chamberlain
The Lord Chamberlain of the Household is the most senior officer of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom, supervising the departments which support and provide advice to the Sovereign of the United Kingdom while also acting as the main c ...
and the
Master of the Horse.
Only the Lord Chamberlain fulfils an executive function; while the other two continue to have a ceremonial role, and are to be seen particularly on State occasions.
Lord Chamberlain
As currently arranged, the Royal Household is coordinated by the part-time
Lord Chamberlain
The Lord Chamberlain of the Household is the most senior officer of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom, supervising the departments which support and provide advice to the Sovereign of the United Kingdom while also acting as the main c ...
(
Andrew Parker, Lord Parker of Minsmere GCVO KCB), and organized into functionally separate units.
Heads of departments
The
Private Secretary to the Sovereign (
Rt Hon. Sir Edward Young since 2017), manages the Private Secretary's Office, and also controls the Press Office, the
Royal Archives
The Royal Archives, also known as the King's Archives, is a division of The Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. It is operationally under the control of the Keeper of the Royal Archives, who is customarily the Private Secret ...
, and the
Defence Services Secretary's Office, serves as principal advisor to the Sovereign and serves as the principal channel of communication between the Sovereign and his or her governments. Besides these, he also manages the Sovereign's official programme and correspondence.
The
Keeper of the Privy Purse has responsibility for the Sovereign's personal finances and those to do with semi-private concerns, along with, as
Treasurer to the King oversight of the
civil list
A civil list is a list of individuals to whom money is paid by the government, typically for service to the state or as honorary pensions. It is a term especially associated with the United Kingdom and its former colonies of Canada, India, New Zeal ...
. The two positions are held together and, since 2018, they have both been held by
Sir Michael Stevens .
The
Master of the Household, since 2013, has been
Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt and has overall responsibility for the domestic workings of the Household.
The
Lord Chamberlain's Office
The Lord Chamberlain's Office is a department within the British Royal Household. It is concerned with matters such as protocol, state visits, investitures, garden parties, royal weddings and funerals. For example, in April 2005 it organised the ...
, led by its
Comptroller
A comptroller (pronounced either the same as ''controller'' or as ) is a management-level position responsible for supervising the quality of accounting and financial reporting of an organization. A financial comptroller is a senior-level execut ...
current Lt-Colonel Michael Vernon, is responsible for official royal occasions.
The
Royal Collection Department is overseen by its
Director who since February 2018 is
Tim Knox
Timothy Aidan John Knox, (born 9 August 1962) is a British art historian and museum director. Since March 2018, he has been Director of the Royal Collection, the private art collection of the British Royal Family. The Royal Collection, held in ...
.
Other units
The
Royal Almonry,
Ecclesiastical Household, and
Medical Household are functionally separate. For accounting purposes they are the responsibility of the Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to the King.
The
Crown Equerry has day-to-day operation of the
Royal Mews, and is part of the Lord Chamberlain's Office. The other
equerries have a different role: attending and assisting the King in his official duties from day to day. (Historically, they too were part of the mews, but today they are entirely separate.)
The
Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
The Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, or simply the Central Chancery, is an office of the Lord Chamberlain’s department within the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. It is responsible for the administration of ...
is also under the Lord Chamberlain's Office, as is the office of the
Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps.
The
College of Arms
The College of Arms, or Heralds' College, is a royal corporation consisting of professional officers of arms, with jurisdiction over England, Wales, Northern Ireland and some Commonwealth realms. The heralds are appointed by the British Sover ...
has been a branch of the Royal Household since its incorporation in 1484 by King
Richard III it was directly appointed by the Sovereign on the recommendation of Earl Marshal. The college is a corporation of thirteen royal
heralds, overseen by the
Earl Marshal, a hereditary office held by the
Duke of Norfolk. The college is self-supporting and receives no funds from the Crown. The college holds jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to
heraldry
Heraldry is a discipline relating to the design, display and study of armorial bearings (known as armory), as well as related disciplines, such as vexillology, together with the study of ceremony, rank and pedigree. Armory, the best-known bran ...
,
genealogy
Genealogy () is the study of families, family history, and the tracing of their lineages. Genealogists use oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kin ...
, and
pedigrees in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and in some
Commonwealth realm
A Commonwealth realm is a sovereign state in the Commonwealth of Nations whose monarch and head of state is shared among the other realms. Each realm functions as an independent state, equal with the other realms and nations of the Commonwealt ...
s.
Certain independent and honorific posts include
Master of the King's Music,
Piper to the Sovereign,
Poet Laureate
A poet laureate (plural: poets laureate) is a poet officially appointed by a government or conferring institution, typically expected to compose poems for special events and occasions. Albertino Mussato of Padua and Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch ...
, and
Astronomer Royal. The
King's Bargemaster, the
Keeper of the Jewel House, the
Serjeants-at-Arms, and the
Warden
A warden is a custodian, defender, or guardian. Warden is often used in the sense of a watchman or guardian, as in a prison warden. It can also refer to a chief or head official, as in the Warden of the Mint.
''Warden'' is etymologically identic ...
and
Marker of the Swans
Marker of the Swans, or ''Swan Marker'', is an office in the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom.
History
The role dates back to the twelfth century and through the years its title has changed from Master, Keeper, and ...
, perform less celebrated functions.
The offices of
Treasurer of the Household,
Comptroller of the Household, and
Vice-Chamberlain of the Household are held by senior government
whips in the House of Commons. In the House of Lords, the Government Chief Whip is usually appointed
Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms and the Deputy Chief Whip as
Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, with junior whips appointed as
lords-in-waiting and baronesses-in-waiting. Occasionally these officers are called upon to undertake Household duties, especially the Vice-Chamberlain, who is responsible for writing regular parliamentary reports for the King.
If the monarch is female she has
ladies-in-waiting (formally styled either
ladies of the bedchamber
Lady of the Bedchamber is the title of a lady-in-waiting holding the official position of personal attendant on a British queen regnant or queen consort. The position is traditionally held by the wife of a peer. They are ranked between the Mi ...
or
women of the bedchamber
In the Royal Household of the United Kingdom the term Woman of the Bedchamber is used to describe a woman (usually a daughter of a peer) attending either a queen regnant or queen consort, in the role of lady-in-waiting. Historically the term 'Ge ...
), some of whom are in personal attendance on a daily basis. They are overseen by the
Mistress of the Robes, who traditionally was head of the female household. If the monarch is male these roles are instead attached to the Household of the Queen consort.
The Household includes a number of honorary military appointments: the
aides-de-camp to the King (who are usually very high-ranking officers of the three armed services), the two
Gold Sticks and the
Vice Admiral and
Rear Admiral of the United Kingdom
The Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom is a now honorary office generally held by a senior (possibly retired) Royal Navy admiral, though the current incumbent is a retired Royal Marine General. Despite the title, the Rear-Admiral of the Unite ...
. In addition, the two corps of royal bodyguards (the
Gentlemen at Arms
His Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms is a bodyguard to the British Monarch. Until 17 March 1834, they were known as The Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners.
Formation
The corps was formed as the Troop of Gen ...
and the
Yeomen of the Guard) are part of the Household.
Gentlemen ushers are unpaid members of the Royal Household, often retired military officers, who provide occasional assistance as marshals at royal events. The
Lady Usher of the Black Rod is an important official in the Houses of Parliament; but technically she too is a member of the Royal Household (and acts as the King's messenger at the
State Opening).
The royal residences (see
list of British royal residences) in current use are cared for and maintained by the Royal Household Property Section directly from the
grant-in-aid provided by
Parliament
In modern politics, and history, a parliament is a legislative body of government. Generally, a modern parliament has three functions: representing the electorate, making laws, and overseeing the government via hearings and inquiries. Th ...
, whereas
Balmoral Castle and
Sandringham House are privately owned and maintained. The unoccupied royal residences (including the Tower of London) are run by the
Historic Royal Palaces Agency, which is self-funding.
The Scottish Royal Household
The Royal Household in Scotland includes offices of personal, honorary and state appointments. Many appointments are vacant having fallen into
abeyance; been abolished or returned to
The Crown
The Crown is the state in all its aspects within the jurisprudence of the Commonwealth realms and their subdivisions (such as the Crown Dependencies, overseas territories, provinces, or states). Legally ill-defined, the term has differ ...
; merged with other positions both before and after the
Union of the Crown with England; or due to lack of a clear office holder.
The Great Officers of the Royal Household, (not to be confused with the
Great Officers of State of Scotland
Government in medieval monarchies generally comprised the king's companions, later becoming the Royal Household, from which the officers of state arose, initially having household and government duties. Later some of these officers became ...
which are political and judicial appointments, or the
Great Officers of the Crown of Scotland though some officers are shared) are:
*
Lord High Constable –
Merlin Hay, 24th Earl of Erroll
*
Master of the Household –
Torquhil Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll
Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th and 6th Duke of Argyll (born 29 May 1968), styled as Earl of Campbell before 1973 and as Marquess of Lorne between 1973 and 2001, is a Scottish peer.
The family's main seat is Inveraray Castle, although the Duke and ...
*
Keeper of the Palace of Holyroodhouse –
Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, 16th Duke of Hamilton
Alexander Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 16th Duke of Hamilton, 13th Duke of Brandon (born 31 March 1978) is a Scottish nobleman and the premier peer of Scotland.
Early life
He is the son of Angus Douglas-Hamilton, 15th Duke of Hamilton, and his f ...
*
Armour-Bearer and Squire of His Majesty's Body
The Armour-Bearer was one of the Great Offices of the Royal Household in Scotland.
James IV granted the office of Armour-Bearer and Squire of His Majesty's Body to Sir Alexander Seton of Tullibody. This grant, apparently dating from 1488, was re ...
– traditionally held by the
Setons of
Touch
*
Bearer of the Royal Banner –
Alexander Scrymgeour, 12th Earl of Dundee
*
Bearer of the National Flag of Scotland
The Bearer of the National Flag of Scotland is one of the Great Officers in the Royal Household of Scotland. The bearer participates in royal, state, or other ceremonial events when needed.
By charter of novodamus of 1676, later ratified by th ...
–
Ian Maitland, 18th Earl of Lauderdale
*
Lord Justice General of Scotland –
Colin Sutherland, Lord Carloway
*
Great Steward of Scotland
Prince and Great Steward of Scotland are two of the titles of the heir apparent to the throne of the United Kingdom. The current holder of these titles is Prince William, who bears the other Scottish titles of Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, ...
–
William, Duke of Rothesay
Ecclesiastical officers of the
Ecclesiastical Household of Scotland:
*
Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland –
Patrick Hodge, Lord Hodge
Patrick Stewart Hodge, Lord Hodge, PC (born 19 May 1953) is a British lawyer, currently serving as Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
Early life
Hodge was educated at Croftinloan School, an independent junior boardin ...
* Royal Almoner – (Vacant)
*
Dean of the
Chapel Royal
The Chapel Royal is an establishment in the Royal Household serving the spiritual needs of the sovereign and the British Royal Family. Historically it was a body of priests and singers that travelled with the monarch. The term is now also appl ...
–
Professor David Fergusson
*
Dean of the Thistle
The Dean of the Thistle is an office of the Order of the Thistle, re-established in 1687. The office is normally held by a minister of the Church of Scotland, and forms part of the Royal Household in Scotland.
In 1886 the office of Dean of ...
, an officer of the
Order of the Thistle
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland, who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order. The O ...
–
Professor David Fergusson
* 2 Chaplains:
**The minister at
Crathie Kirk
**The minister at
Canongate Kirk
*10
Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland ( sco, The Kirk o Scotland; gd, Eaglais na h-Alba) is the national church in Scotland.
The Church of Scotland was principally shaped by John Knox, in the Reformation of 1560, when it split from the Catholic Church ...
Honorary Chaplains to the King
An honorary position is one given as an honor, with no duties attached, and without payment. Other uses include:
* Honorary Academy Award, by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, United States
* Honorary Aryan, a status in Nazi Germa ...
The Royal Household includes a number of other hereditary and non-hereditary offices:
*
Lord High Chamberlain – (Vacant)
*
Treasurer of Scotland – (Vacant)
*
Comptroller of Scotland – (Vacant)
*
Great Marischal of Scotland – (Vacant)
*
Knight Marischal
The office of Knight Marischal was first created for the Scottish coronation of Charles I in 1633, at Scone. Unlike the separate office of Marischal, the office of Knight Marischal is not heritable, and has continued to be filled up to the deat ...
– (Vacant)
*
Justiciar of Scotia – (Vacant)
*
Justiciar of Lothian
The Justiciar of Lothian (in Norman-Latin, ''Justiciarus Laudonie'') was an important legal office in the High Medieval Kingdom of Scotland.
The Justiciars of Lothian were responsible for the administration of royal justice in the province of ...
– (Vacant)
*
Justiciar of Galloway
The Justiciar of Galloway was an important legal office in the High Medieval Kingdom of Scotland.
The Justiciars of Galloway were responsible for the administration of royal justice in the province of Galloway. The other Justiciar positions wer ...
– (Vacant)
*
Lord Warden of the Marches
The Lord Warden of the Marches was an office in the governments of Scotland and England. The holders were responsible for the security of the border between the two nations, and often took part in military action. They were also responsible, alo ...
– (Vacant)
*
Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle
The Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle is an office of the Order of the Thistle, established in 1687. The Chancellor is normally one of the knights, though not necessarily the most senior.
Office Holders from 1913
*1913: John James Hugh Hen ...
–
David Ogilvy, 13th Earl of Airlie
*
Gentleman Usher of the Green Rod
The Gentleman Usher of the Green Rod is the Gentleman Usher to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of ...
– Rear Admiral Christopher Hope Layman
*
King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer – David Harvie
*
Governor of Edinburgh Castle –
Major General Alastair Andrew Bernard Reibey Bruce of Crionaich
*A number of Hereditary Keepers of Palaces and Castles:
**
Falkland Palace
Falkland Palace, in Falkland, Fife, Scotland, is a royal palace of the Scottish Kings. It was one of the favourite places of Mary, Queen of Scots, providing an escape from political and religious turmoil. Today it is under the stewardship of ...
–
Ninian Crichton-Stuart
**
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological ...
– the
Earl of Mar and Kellie
The title Earl of Kellie or Kelly is a title in the Peerage of Scotland, created in 1619 for Sir Thomas Erskine, who was Captain of the Guard and Groom of the Stool for James VI. It is named after Barony of Kellie in Fife, Scotland. Since 1875, ...
**
Dunstaffnage Castle – the
Duke of Argyll
**
Dunconnel Castle – Sir Charles Edward Maclean of Dunconnel Bt, 2nd Baronet of Strachur and Glensluain, Baron Strachur
**
Linlithgow Palace – (Vacant)
**
Carrick Castle
Carrick Castle is a 14th-century tower house on the west shore of Loch Goil on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is located between Cuilmuich and Carrick, south of Lochgoilhead.
The castle stands on a rocky peninsula, and ...
– the
Duke of Argyll
**
Dumbarton Castle
Dumbarton Castle ( gd, Dùn Breatainn, ; ) has the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. It sits on a volcanic plug of basalt known as Dumbarton Rock which is high and overlooks the Scottish town of Dumbarton.
History
Dum ...
–
Brigadier Donald Hardie
**
Dunstaffnage Castle – the
Duke of Argyll
**
Tarbert Castle – the
Duke of Argyll
**
Dunfermline Palace – (Vacant)
**
Castle Sween – the
Duke of Argyll
**
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle is a 15th-century fortress, near the village of Blackness, Scotland, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth.
It was built, probably on the site of an earlier fort, by Sir George Crichton in the 1440s. At this time, Blackne ...
– (Vacant)
*
Keeper and Ranger of the Park of Holyroodhouse - (Vacant - associated with the
Earl of Haddington until 1844)
*
Lord Lyon King of Arms
The Right Honourable the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of Lyon Court, is the most junior of the Great Officers of State in Scotland and is the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that country, issuing new grants ...
–
The Reverend Canon Joseph John Morrow
*The
Lord Lyon King of Arms
The Right Honourable the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of Lyon Court, is the most junior of the Great Officers of State in Scotland and is the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that country, issuing new grants ...
's
heralds
A herald, or a herald of arms, is an officer of arms, ranking between pursuivant and king of arms. The title is commonly applied more broadly to all officers of arms.
Heralds were originally messengers sent by monarchs or noblemen to ...
and
pursuivants,
*
Commissioners for the Safekeeping of the Regalia
*
Deputy-keeper of the Honours of Scotland
*
Yeoman-Keepers of the Honours of Scotland
*
Bailie of the Abbey Court of Holyroodhouse
*
Gentleman Usher of the White Rod
A gentleman (Old French: ''gentilz hom'', gentle + man) is any man of good and courteous conduct. Originally, ''gentleman'' was the lowest rank of the landed gentry of England, ranking below an esquire and above a yeoman; by definition, the ...
–
The Rt Rev. Dr John A. Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh
*
Postilions,
Grooms
A bridegroom (often shortened to groom) is a man who is about to be married or who is newlywed.
When marrying, the bridegroom's future spouse (if female) is usually referred to as the bride. A bridegroom is typically attended by a best man a ...
and
Footmen of the
Scottish State Coach
*
Master of the Mint in Scotland – (Vacant)
*
Master Carver for Scotland –
Sir Sebastian Anstruther of Balcluskie
*
Butler of Scotland – (Vacant)
*
Pantler of Scotland
The office of Pantler of Scotland, (referred to in documents as la, Paniterius Scotiae) was a court position in the Kingdom of Scotland during the High Middle Ages. The now historical term ''pantler'' or ''panter'' designated an officer responsib ...
– (Vacant)
*
Washer of the Sovereign's Hands in Scotland – Simon Houison Craufurd, 29th Laird of Craufurdland Castle
*
Hereditary Royal Falconer of Scotland –
John Hugh Borthwick, 24th Lord Borthwick
*
Historiographer Royal –
Christopher Smout
Thomas Christopher Smout CBE, FBA, FRSE, FSA Scot, FRSGS (born 19 December 1933) is a Scottish academic, historian, author and Historiographer Royal in Scotland.
Early life
One of the five sons of Arthur Smout, Christopher Smout was educated a ...
*
His Majesty's Botanist –
Professor Stephen Blackmore
*
Master of Work to the Crown of Scotland - (Vacant)
*The
Painter and Limner
The Painter and Limner is a member of the Royal Household in Scotland. Appointments of Court Painters are recorded from 1581 onwards, and the post of Painter and Limner was created in 1702 for George Ogilvie. The duties included "drawing pictures ...
–
Dame Elizabeth Blackadder
*
Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland
The Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland is a member of the Royal household in Scotland. The first appointment was made by Queen Victoria around 1838, although it was not listed as a member of the Royal household until the 1870s. The office was made ...
–
Alexander Stoddart
Alexander "Sandy" Stoddart (born 1959) is a Scottish sculptor, who, since 2008, has been the Queen's Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland. He works primarily on figurative sculpture in clay within the neoclassical tradition. Stoddart is best kn ...
*
Surveyor of the King's Pictures
The office of the Surveyor of the King's/Queen's Pictures, in the Royal Collection Department of the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom, is responsible for the care and maintenance of the royal collection of pictures owned by ...
– (Vacant – in abeyance since 2020)
*
Astronomer Royal for Scotland
Astronomer Royal for Scotland was the title of the director of the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh until 1995. It has since been an honorary title.
Astronomers Royal for Scotland
See also
* Edinburgh Astronomical Institution
* City Observatory
* ...
–
Catherine Heymans
Catherine Heymans (born 1978/1979) is a British astrophysicist, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, and a professor at the University of Edinburgh based at the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.
Early life
Heymans was born and grew up in Hitchin, ...
*Geographer Royal for Scotland – Professor
Charles Withers
*Various other
Royal physicians, surgeons, apothecaries,
chemists, etc.
*The
Crown Jeweller
*Her Majesty's Clockmaker and Keeper and Dresser of His Majesty's Clocks in Scotland –
Hamilton & Inches
*Court Postmaster
The Household Division, Sovereign's Body Guard, King's Guard, and ceremonial military posts and bodies
*Lieutenant General of the North – (Vacant)
*
Lord High Admiral of Scotland – (Vacant)
*
Vice Admiral of Scotland – (Vacant)
*
Admiral of the Western Coasts and Isles –
Torquhil Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll
Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th and 6th Duke of Argyll (born 29 May 1968), styled as Earl of Campbell before 1973 and as Marquess of Lorne between 1973 and 2001, is a Scottish peer.
The family's main seat is Inveraray Castle, although the Duke and ...
*
Vice-Admiral of Orkney and Shetland – (Vacant – historically associated with the
Sheriff Depute of Orkney and Shetland)
*
Gold Stick and Silver Stick for Scotland
*The
Royal Company of Archers
The Royal Company of Archers, The King's Bodyguard for Scotland is a ceremonial unit that serves as the Sovereign's bodyguard in Scotland—a role it has performed since 1822 during the reign of King George IV when the company provided a per ...
, the monarch's bodyguard in Scotland
*
*
Doorward Guard of Partisans – personal retainers of the Lord High Constable of Scotland and bodyguard to the sovereign
*The
Scots Guards
*The Mounted Troop of the
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards – Ceremonial mounted unit based at Edinburgh Castle, assembled for events such as the
Waterloo Day
Waterloo Day is 18 June, the date of the Battle of Waterloo, in 1815. It is remembered and celebrated each year by certain regiments of the British Army, in the same way that the Royal Navy
The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's na ...
celebrations
*Balaklava Company of The
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion,
Royal Regiment of Scotland – tasked with State and Ceremonial Duties in Scotland such as mounting the Guard at Holyrood Palace
*
Piper to the Sovereign and
senior members of the Royal Family.
*Her Majesty's state trumpeters in Scotland
Household of the Prince and Princess of Wales
A part-time Private Secretary to
Prince William and
Prince Harry (
James Lowther-Pinkerton MVO MBE Irish Guards (Rtd.)) was appointed in the Household of the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales in May 2005. In January 2009, a separate Household of Prince William and Prince Harry was established (formally "The Household of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales"), headed by Lowther-Pinkerton. Following their marriages, the Household also additionally served their wives. The Household's offices are currently based in
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. It has been a residence of the British royal family since the 17th century, and is currently the official L ...
, having formerly been based in
St James's Palace
St James's Palace is the most senior royal palace in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. The palace gives its name to the Court of St James's, which is the monarch's royal court, and is located in the City of Westminster in London. Alt ...
. The Household, as of 2011, had the equivalent of 7.8 full-time staff.
It was announced in June 2011 that the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge would temporarily move their official London residence to an apartment in
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. It has been a residence of the British royal family since the 17th century, and is currently the official L ...
, a move that was completed in August of that year. The Duke and Duchess' primary residence continued to be the island of
Anglesey
Anglesey (; cy, (Ynys) Môn ) is an island off the north-west coast of Wales. It forms a principal area known as the Isle of Anglesey, that includes Holy Island across the narrow Cymyran Strait and some islets and skerries. Anglesey island ...
in Wales, where the Duke served as an
RAF search and rescue pilot. The couple previously shared an apartment at Clarence House with Prince Harry, which he retained.
On 6 November 2011, it was announced that the Duke, Duchess and Prince Harry, along with the Queen and the Prince of Wales, had approved a plan that would have the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge permanently move to a larger apartment in Kensington Palace in 2013, after it is renovated. This apartment was previously occupied by the Queen's sister,
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, (Margaret Rose; 21 August 1930 – 9 February 2002) was the younger daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and the younger sister and only sibling of Queen Elizabeth  ...
and her husband
Antony Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon after their marriage in 1960. The apartment was retained by Princess Margaret after her divorce in 1978 and was her London residence until her death in 2002. Prince Harry then moved his official residence from Clarence House to the apartment vacated by the Duke and Duchess. In addition, once the move was complete, their official household was also moved to Kensington Palace from St James's Palace, although the household remained shared. Until the moves were complete, their Household remained based at St James's Palace and continued to be shared.
It was later announced in early May 2013 that the royal couple's private secretary, James Lowther-Pinkerton, intended to leave his post as private secretary for the private sector, and his position was split with each member of the household receiving a private secretary. In September 2013, Miguel Head became Private Secretary to the Duke of Cambridge and Rebecca Deacon assumed the role of Private Secretary to the Duchess of Cambridge.
Ed Perkins left his post as communication secretary at the household in 2014. On 21 November 2014, the palace announced his replacement as Jason Knauf.
List of Household staff
;Private Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry
* 2005–2013: Major
James Lowther-Pinkerton LVO MBE Irish Guards (Retd.)[The Prince of Wales – A new household...](_blank)
Lowther-Pinkerton left his post in September 2013, but intended to spend one day a week at St James's Palace to act as a sounding board for the much younger members of staff who will take his place.
;Private Secretary to the Duke of Cambridge
* 2013–2018: Miguel Head
* 2018–2020:
Simon Case
* 2020–2021: Christian Jones
;Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales
* 2021–present:
Jean-Christophe Gray
Jean-Christophe Gray (born November 1975) is a former British civil servant who served as the Prime Minister's official spokesperson for David Cameron between 2012 and 2015. In 2021, he became the Private Secretary to Prince William.
Career ...
;Private Secretary to the Duchess of Cambridge
* 2013–2017: Rebecca Deacon
* 2017–2019: Catherine Quinn
;Private Secretary to the Princess of Wales
* 2020–2022: Hannah Cockburn-Logie
;Assistant Private Secretary to the Duke of Cambridge
* 2016–: Laura Baker
* 2018–: Zoë Ware
;Assistant Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales
* 2021–: Georgina Riddle
;Assistant Private Secretary to the Princess of Wales
* 2017–: Natalie Barrows
;Advisor to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
* 2009–2019:
Sir David Manning
Sir David Geoffrey Manning, (born 5 December 1949) is a former British diplomat, who was the British Ambassador to the United States from 2003 to 2007. He authored the so-called " Manning Memo", that summarized the details of a meeting between ...
;Advisor to the Prince and Princess of Wales
* 2019–present: Jason Knauf
;Communication Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
* –2014: Ed Perkins
* 2014–2019: Jason Knauf
* 2019–2020: Christian Jones
* 2021: Victoria O'Byrne
;Communication Secretary to the Prince and Princess of Wales
* 2022–present: Lee Thompson
; Deputy Communication Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry
* –2016: Nick Loughran
;Digital and Social Lead to the Prince and Princess of Wales
* 2020–present: David Watkins
;Official Spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry
* –2013:
Paddy Harverson, also Communications Secretary at Clarence House
;Equerries
* –2020: Lt Cdr David Brannighan
* 2020–present: Lt Cdr Rob Dixon
Household of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
In 2013, it was announced that
Prince Harry had appointed former Household Cavalry captain, Edward Lane Fox, as his private secretary effective July 2013.
In March 2019, it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would establish a new household for themselves, following the birth of their child in spring as well as the move of their official residence to
Frogmore Cottage, with their office set to be located at Buckingham Palace. Following the decision to
step back from royal duties, it was announced in February 2020 that they would close their office at Buckingham Palace.
List of Household staff
;Private Secretary to the Duke of Sussex
* 2013–2018: Edward Lane Fox
;Private Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
* 2018–2019: Samantha Cohen
* 2019–2020: Fiona Mcilwham
;Deputy Private Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
* 2019–2020: Heather Wong
;Assistant Private Secretary to the Duke of Sussex
* 2019–2020: Rob Reader
;Assistant Private Secretary to the Duchess of Sussex
* 2018–2019: Amy Pickerill
;Personal Assistant to the Duchess of Sussex
* 2018: Melissa Touabti
;Communication Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
* 2019–2020: Sara Latham
;Assistant Communication Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
* Marnie Gaffney
;Projects Manager to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
* 2018–2020: Clara Madden
;Digital Communications Lead to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
* 2019–2020: David Watkins
Household of the Princess Royal
The Household of the
Princess Royal provides the administrative support to
Anne, Princess Royal
Anne, Princess Royal (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise; born 15 August 1950), is a member of the British royal family. She is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the only sister of ...
, second child and only daughter of
The Queen. While the Princess Royal's private residence is
Gatcombe Park; her office, headed by the
Private Secretary, is based at
Buckingham Palace while her official London residence is located at
St James's Palace
St James's Palace is the most senior royal palace in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. The palace gives its name to the Court of St James's, which is the monarch's royal court, and is located in the City of Westminster in London. Alt ...
.
Private Secretaries to the Princess Royal
*2019–: Charles Davies
[Court Circular, 31 January 2019]
*2002–2019: Captain Sir
Nick Wright KCVO, RN
*1999–2002: Colonel
Timothy Earl
Colonel Timothy James Earl, Order of the British Empire, OBE was Private Secretary to the Anne, Princess Royal, Princess Royal between 1999 and 2002. He was educated at Brentwood School (Brentwood, England), Brentwood School and the Royal Military ...
OBE
*1997–1999:
Rupert McGuigan
*1982–1997: Lieutenant Colonel Sir
Peter Gibbs KCVO
*1976–1982: Major Nicholas Lawson
LVO
*1974–1976: Major Benjamin Herman
MVO RM
Assistant Private Secretary
*2010: Commander Anne Sullivan
RN
Office Secretary
*?–: Mrs Isabella Ward
Extra Equerry to the Princess Royal
*2019–: Captain
Sir Nicholas Wright, KCVO
Household of the Duke of York
The Household of the Duke of York provides administrative support for the royal duties of
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, along with his immediate family. From 1971, Prince Andrew (then aged 11 years), had the assistance of one of
The Queen's
equerries when required. The first was Sqn Ldr
Peter Beer, who served until he was replaced by Maj.
George Broke Royal Artillery
The Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery (RA) and colloquially known as "The Gunners", is one of two regiments that make up the artillery arm of the British Army. The Royal Regiment of Artillery comprises t ...
in 1974, and Lt Cdr
Robert Guy RN in 1977.
It was only with the appointment in 1980 of Sqn Ldr
Adam Wise, that the Prince could be said to have acquired the assistance of his own staff – although he was still shared with the Queen and
Prince Edward. In 1983, Wise was promoted to
wing commander and appointed Private Secretary to Princes Andrew and Edward, severing his link with The Royal Household. He left the Duke of York's service in 1987, when Lt Col.
Sean O'Dwyer was appointed – also jointly with Prince Edward.
The Duke of York is assisted by a private secretary, deputy private secretary, assistant private secretary and
equerry. There are an office assistant, and a handful of personal staff including cook and
butler. The Duke of York's office is based at
Buckingham Palace, and the Duke has a residence at the
Royal Lodge,
Windsor, into which he moved during 2004, from
Sunninghill Park
Sunninghill Park was a country house and estate of about directly north of Cheapside, in the civil parishes of Sunninghill and Ascot and Winkfield, adjoining Windsor Great Park in the English county of Berkshire.
The early 19th-century hou ...
,
Ascot.
Private Secretaries to the Duke of York
*2012–2020: Mrs Amanda Thirsk
*2003–2012: Maj.
Alastair Watson LVO
*2001–2003: Cdr
Charlotte Manley
Charlotte Elizabeth Manley (born 1957) has been Chapter Clerk of St George's Chapel, Windsor since 2003, and was Private Secretary and Treasurer to the Duke of York 2001–2003.
She served in the Royal Navy as an officer 1976–1996.
Manley spe ...
LVO OBE RN
*1990–2001:
Capt. Neil Blair CVO RN
*1987–1990: Lt Col.
Sean O'Dwyer MVO DL Irish Guards (Retd.)
*1983–1987: Wg Cdr
Adam Wise LVO MBE
Assistant Private Secretaries to the Duke of York
* ?–present: James Upsher
Equerry to the Duke of York
*2004-2006: Lieutenant Caroline Clark RN
*2019–: Lieutenant Commander Alex Davies, RN
[Court Circular, 1 February 2019]
*2017–2019: Captain Edward Monckton
*2014–2017: Lieutenant Jack Cooper RN
*2012–2014: Lieutenant Commander Michael Hutchinson RN
*2010–2012: Flight Lieutenant Charlotte Fenn RAF
*2008–2010: Captain Duncan Bailey ACG(SPS)
*2006–2008: Captain James Todd RM
Household of the Earl and Countess of Wessex
The Household of the Earl and Countess of Wessex provides administrative support to
the Earl of Wessex, youngest son of the Queen, and to his wife,
the Countess of Wessex. While their private residence is
Bagshot Park, their office, headed by the
private secretary, is based at
Buckingham Palace.
Private Secretaries to the Earl and Countess of Wessex
* 2014–2018: Mr. Tim Roberts
* 2002–2014: Brig.
John Smedley CVO
* 1987–2001: Lt Col.
Sean O'Dwyer LVO DL Irish Guards (Retd.)
* 1983–1987:
Wg Cdr Adam Wise LVO MBE
Private Secretary to the Earl of Wessex
* 2019–present: Captain Andrew Aspden
Private Secretary to the Countess of Wessex
* 2019–present: Mr. Alexander Stonor
Assistant Private Secretary to the Earl and Countess of Wessex
* 2015–2018: Mr. Matthew Magee
* 2018–2019: Mr. Alexander Stonor
* 2021–present: Mr. Jason Keen
Equerry to the Earl and Countess of Wessex
* 2008–Present:
Major General
Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of ...
Alastair Bruce of Crionaich
Major-General Alastair Andrew Bernard Reibey Bruce (born 25 June 1960) is a journalist and television correspondent, and a senior British Army reservist and officer of arms of the Royal Household. He commanded the TA Media Operations Group ...
* ?–present: Col. Paul Arengo-Jones CVO
Assistant Private Secretaries and Ladies-in-Waiting to the Countess of Wessex
* 1999–present: Annabelle Galletley (Mrs. Angus Galletley)
* 2000–present: Ms. Suzanne Lofthouse-Jackson
* 2009–2020: Amy Mayes (Mrs. Jonathan Mayes)
Programme Co-ordinators to the Earl and Countess of Wessex
* 2016–present: Miss. Emily Mortimore
* 2017–present: Miss. Jess Utton
* 2017–2022: Miss. Kelly Tschumi
Secretarial Assistant to the Earl and Countess of Wessex
* ?–present: Ms. Jackie Phipps
Lesser households
Household of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
* Private Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at Kensington Palace: Mr Alistair Wood, LVO MBE 2004–2012
*
Lady-in-waiting
A lady-in-waiting or court lady is a female personal assistant at a court, attending on a royal woman or a high-ranking noblewoman. Historically, in Europe, a lady-in-waiting was often a noblewoman but of lower rank than the woman to whom sh ...
to the Duchess of Gloucester: Mrs Susan Wigley, CVO
Household of the Duke and Duchess of Kent
*Private Secretary to the Duke of Kent, KG at Wren House, Kensington Palace: Mr Nicholas Marden
Household of Princess Alexandra, The Hon Lady Ogilvy
*Private Secretary: Mrs Diane Duke
*
Lady in Waiting: Mrs Peter Afia LVO
Household of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent
*Private Secretary to Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO at Kensington Palace: Mr Nicholas Chance,
CVO (1997–2016)
Former households
Household of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
King Edward VII
Edward VII (Albert Edward; 9 November 1841 – 6 May 1910) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India, from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910.
The second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria an ...
(1841–1910) was created
Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales ( cy, Tywysog Cymru, ; la, Princeps Cambriae/Walliae) is a title traditionally given to the heir apparent to the English and later British throne. Prior to the conquest by Edward I in the 13th century, it was used by the rule ...
shortly after his birth, and his household was known as the Household of the Prince of Wales from 1841. Upon his marriage in 1863, he and his wife shared the Household of the Prince and Princess of Wales until their accession as King and Queen in January 1901, but several appointments were to either the Prince or the Princess (e.g., they each had separate Lords Chamberlain and private Secretaries). When he became King, his household was known as the Household of the Sovereign 1901–1910.
Queen Alexandra
Alexandra of Denmark (Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia; 1 December 1844 – 20 November 1925) was Queen of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Empress of India, from 22 January 1901 to 6 May 1910 as the wife of ...
(1844–1925) received a separate household upon her husband's accession, the Household of the Queen. From 1910, it was known as the Household of Queen Alexandra.
Household of King George V and Queen Mary
Prince George (1865–1936) was created
Duke of York in 1892, and received a separate household together with his brother. Courtiers appointed to assist the Prince George of Wales until that year had been part of his parents' household. After his marriage to
Princess Mary of Teck
Mary of Teck (Victoria Mary Augusta Louise Olga Pauline Claudine Agnes; 26 May 186724 March 1953) was Queen of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Empress of India, from 6 May 1910 until 20 January 1936 as the wife of King-Empe ...
in 1893 they shared the Household of the Duke and Duchess of York.
On the accession of his father,
King Edward VII
Edward VII (Albert Edward; 9 November 1841 – 6 May 1910) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India, from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910.
The second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria an ...
in January 1901, George automatically inherited the
dukedom of Cornwall
Duke of Cornwall is a title in the Peerage of England, traditionally held by the eldest son of the reigning British monarch, previously the English monarch. The duchy of Cornwall was the first duchy created in England and was established by a roya ...
and was known as the Duke of Cornwall and York until the following November, when he was appointed
Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales ( cy, Tywysog Cymru, ; la, Princeps Cambriae/Walliae) is a title traditionally given to the heir apparent to the English and later British throne. Prior to the conquest by Edward I in the 13th century, it was used by the rule ...
. From 1901 until his accession in 1910, he and his wife shared the Household of the Prince and Princess of Wales, but several appointments were to either the Prince or the Princess.
When he became King, his household was known as the Household of the Sovereign 1910–1936.
Queen Mary (1867–1953) received a separate household upon her husband's accession, the Household of the Queen. From 1936, it was known as the Household of Queen Mary.
Household of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
This is an ''incomplete'' list of those who served in
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon (4 August 1900 – 30 March 2002) was Queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 to 6 February 1952 as the wife of King George VI. She was th ...
's Household
*1923–1936: Included in Prince Albert, Duke of York's "Household of The Duke of York"
*1936–1952: The Queen's "Household of The Queen"
*1952–2002: The Queen Mother's "Household of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother"
Comptroller
*1952–1953:
Peter Townsend
*1953–1974:
Lord Adam Gordon
Major Lord Adam Granville Gordon (1 March 1909 – 5 July 1984) was a British royal courtier.
Gordon was the second son of Lt.-Col. Granville Cecil Douglas Gordon (1883–1930), who was later an equerry to the Duke of Connaught, and Violet ...
*1974–2002: Sir
Alastair Aird
Captain Sir Alastair Sturgis Aird (14 January 1931 – 30 September 2009) was a British royal courtier.
Aird was the second son of Colonel Malcolm Henry Aird O.B.E. (1899–1965), of the 9th Lancers, who, as son of Malcolm Rucker Aird, was a gr ...
Equerries
*1950–1956: Capt.
Oliver Dawnay
Oliver Payan Dawnay CVO (4 April 192018 March 1988) was a British civil servant, banker, stockbroker, and private secretary to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1951 to 1956."Captain Oliver Dawnay." ''The Times'', London, 21 March 1988, pg. 1 ...
*1955–1956: Sir
Martin Gilliat
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Martin John Gilliat (8 February 1913 – 27 May 1993) was a British soldier and courtier who served as Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for 37 years. Gilliat was a German prisoner of war in the Second ...
*1956–1984: Sir
Francis Legh
*1959–2002: Sir
Ralph Anstruther Bt
*1968–1970: Richard Jenkins
*1984–2002: Maj. George Seymour
*1992–1994: Edward Dawson-Damer
*1993–2002: Sir
Alastair Aird
Captain Sir Alastair Sturgis Aird (14 January 1931 – 30 September 2009) was a British royal courtier.
Aird was the second son of Colonel Malcolm Henry Aird O.B.E. (1899–1965), of the 9th Lancers, who, as son of Malcolm Rucker Aird, was a gr ...
=Extra Equerries
=
*1953–2002:
The Rt Hon. The Lord Sinclair
*1955–?: Sir
Harvey Kearsley
*1956: Maj Raymond Seymour
*1956–1962: Capt.
Oliver Dawnay
Oliver Payan Dawnay CVO (4 April 192018 March 1988) was a British civil servant, banker, stockbroker, and private secretary to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1951 to 1956."Captain Oliver Dawnay." ''The Times'', London, 21 March 1988, pg. 1 ...
*1958–?: Maj. Sir John Griffin
*1964–1973:
Alastair Aird
Captain Sir Alastair Sturgis Aird (14 January 1931 – 30 September 2009) was a British royal courtier.
Aird was the second son of Colonel Malcolm Henry Aird O.B.E. (1899–1965), of the 9th Lancers, who, as son of Malcolm Rucker Aird, was a gr ...
*1995–2002: Capt.
Ashe Windham
Ashe Windham (17 February 1673 – 4 April 1749), of Felbrigg, Norfolk, was an English landowner and politician who sat in the House of Commons of Great Britain, House of Commons from 1708 to 1710.
Life
Windham was the eldest son of William ...
*1998–2002:
Nicholas Assheton
=Temporary Equerries
=
*1955: Maj. Raymond Seymour
*1956–1958: Maj. John Griffin
*1958–1960: Capt. William Richardson
*1960–1964: Capt. Alastair Aird
*1980–1982: Capt.
Ashe Windham
Ashe Windham (17 February 1673 – 4 April 1749), of Felbrigg, Norfolk, was an English landowner and politician who sat in the House of Commons of Great Britain, House of Commons from 1708 to 1710.
Life
Windham was the eldest son of William ...
*1982–1984: Capt. the Hon. Jeremy Stopford
*1984–1986: Capt.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton
Anthony James Moxon Lowther-Pinkerton, LVO, MBE, DL (born 28 September 1960) is the former Private Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and to Prince Harry. He was appointed on 2 May 2005 and resigned as full-time Private Secretary wit ...
*1986–1988 Capt. Niall Hall
*1988–1990 Capt. Giles Bassett
*?-1994: Capt. Edward Dawson-Damer
*1994–?: Maj. Colin Burgess
*2000–2002: Capt. Mark Grayson
Ladies-in-Waiting
*1923–1926: Lady Katharine Meade
*1926–1932: Lady Helen Graham
*1932–1936: Lettice Bowlby
*1985–2002: Jane Walker-Okeover
*1990–2002:
Lady Margaret Colville
Sir John Rupert Colville, CB, CVO (28 January 1915 – 19 November 1987) was a British civil servant. He is best known for his diaries, which provide an intimate view of number 10 Downing Street during the wartime Premiership of Winston Churchi ...
*1991–2002:
Margaret Rhodes
Margaret Rhodes (; 9 June 1925 – 25 November 2016) was a British aristocrat and a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. From 1991 to 2002, she served as Woman of the Bedchamber to her aunt Queen E ...
*1993–2002: Jennifer Gordon-Lennox
=Extra Ladies-in-Waiting
=
*1929–?: Lady Annaly
Ladies of the Bedchamber
*1937–1941: Viscountess Halifax (extra 1946–?)
*1937–1947: Lady Nunburnholme
*1937–1972:
Countess Spencer DC VO OBE
*1937–1994:
Viscountess Hambleden GCVO (as Dowager Viscountess from 1948)
*1945–1967: Lady Harlech (extra 1941–1945; as Dowager Lady from 1964)
*1947–1979: The Countess of Scarbrough as Dowager Countess from 1969
*1973–2002: Lady Grimthorpe (daughter of the above Countess of Scarbrough)
*1994–2002: The Countess of Scarbrough (daughter-in-law of the above Countess of Scarbrough)
Lord Chamberlain
*1937–1965: Col
The Earl of Airlie KT GCVO MC
*1965–1992:
The Earl of Dalhousie KT GCVO GBE MC DL
*1992–2002:
The Earl of Crawford KT GCVO PC
Mistress of the Robes
*1937–1964:
Her Grace
His Grace or Her Grace is an English style used for various high-ranking personages. It was the style used to address English monarchs until Henry VIII and the Scottish monarchs up to the Act of Union of 1707, which united the Kingdom of Scotl ...
The Dowager Duchess of Northumberland GCVO
*1964–1990: Her Grace
The Duchess of Abercorn DCVO
*1990–2002: ''Vacant''
Pages of Honour
*1962–1964: James Charteris, Lord Neidpath
*1964–1966: John Dalrymple-Hamilton
*1966–1967: Valentine Cecil
*1967–1969:
Richard Scott, Lord Eskdaill (later
Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry
Duke of Buccleuch (pronounced ), formerly also spelt Duke of Buccleugh, is a title in the Peerage of Scotland created twice on 20 April 1663, first for James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth and second suo jure for his wife Anne Scott, 4th Co ...
)
*1969–1971: Simon Mulholland Esq.
*1971–1973:
Michael Bowes-Lyon, Lord Glamis (later
Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne)
*1973–1974: Gilbert Clayton Esq.
*1974–1975: Colin Campbell-Preston
*1975–1977: Charles Bruce, Lord Bruce
*1977–1979: Gavin Rankin Esq.
*1979–1982: Henry Beaumont
*1982–1984: The Hon.
Maurice Roche (later
Baron Fermoy
Baron Fermoy is a title in the Peerage of Ireland. The title was created by Queen Victoria by letters patent of 10 September 1856 for Edmond Roche.
Previous letters patent had been issued on 14 May 1855 which purported to create this barony for ...
)
*1984–1986: Andrew Hope, Viscount Aithrie (later Earl of Hopetoun)
*1987–1989: Andrew Lillingston
*1989–1991:
Richard Lumley, Viscount Lumley (later
Earl of Scarbrough)
*1991–1993: John Carew-Pole
*1993–1995: Arthur Wellesley, Earl of Mornington
*1995–1998: The Hon. Thomas Lumley
*1998–1999: Harry Bengough
*1999–2002: Andrew Matheson
Press secretary
*1956–2001: Sir John Griffin
Private secretaries
*1937–1946: Lt Col. Richard Streatfield
*1946–1951: Maj. Thomas Harvey
*1951–1956: Capt.
Oliver Dawnay
Oliver Payan Dawnay CVO (4 April 192018 March 1988) was a British civil servant, banker, stockbroker, and private secretary to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1951 to 1956."Captain Oliver Dawnay." ''The Times'', London, 21 March 1988, pg. 1 ...
*1956–1993: Sir
Martin Gilliat
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Martin John Gilliat (8 February 1913 – 27 May 1993) was a British soldier and courtier who served as Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for 37 years. Gilliat was a German prisoner of war in the Second ...
*1993–2002: Sir
Alastair Aird
Captain Sir Alastair Sturgis Aird (14 January 1931 – 30 September 2009) was a British royal courtier.
Aird was the second son of Colonel Malcolm Henry Aird O.B.E. (1899–1965), of the 9th Lancers, who, as son of Malcolm Rucker Aird, was a gr ...
=Assistant private secretaries
=
*1953–1974:
Lord Adam Gordon
Major Lord Adam Granville Gordon (1 March 1909 – 5 July 1984) was a British royal courtier.
Gordon was the second son of Lt.-Col. Granville Cecil Douglas Gordon (1883–1930), who was later an equerry to the Duke of Connaught, and Violet ...
*1955–1956:
Martin Gilliat
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Martin John Gilliat (8 February 1913 – 27 May 1993) was a British soldier and courtier who served as Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for 37 years. Gilliat was a German prisoner of war in the Second ...
*1956–1959: Francis Legh
*1959–1964: Sir
Ralph Anstruther Bt
*1964–1973: Alastair Aird
*1993–2002: Maj. George Seymour
Treasurers
*1937–1946: Basil Brooke, 1st Viscount Brookeborough, Sir Basil Brooke
*1946–1960: Sir Arthur Horace Penn, Arthur Penn
*1961–1998: Sir Ralph Anstruther
Bt
*1998–2002: Nicholas Assheton
Women of the Bedchamber
*1937–1939: Lady Helen Graham
*1937–1960: Lady Katharine Seymour
*1937–1961: Marion Hyde, Lady Hyde
*1937–1944: Lettice Bowlby
*1939–?: Lady Adelaide Peel
*1944–1947: Lady Mary Herbert
*1947–2001: Lady Jean Rankin
*1951–1961: The Hon Olivia Mulholland
*1960–1993: Lady Ruth Burke Roche, Baroness Fermoy
*1961–1963: Lady Mary Harvey
*1965–2002: Dame Frances Campbell-Preston
*1981–2002: Lady Angela Oswald
=Extra Women of the Bedchamber
=
*1937–1994: Lady Victoria Wemyss (née Cavendish-Bentinck)
*1939–?: Lady Helen Graham
*1944–1988: Hon. Lettice Bowlby (née Annesley)
*1947–?: Lady Mary Herbert
*1947: Lady Jean Rankin
*1947–?: Alexandra Pelham, Lady Worsley
CBE
*1948–1951: Pamela Cooper, Pamela Hore-Ruthven (later Cooper), Viscountess Ruthven of Canberra
*1956–1960: The Dowager Lady Fermoy
*1959–1981: Lady Elizabeth Basset
*1960–?: Lady Katherine Seymour
=Temporary Women of the Bedchamber
=
*1963–1965: Lady Caroline Douglas-Home
Apothecaries
*1954–?: Dr John Nigel Loring
Physicians
*1936–?: George Frederick Still
*1936–?: Sir John Weir
*1936–?: Henry Letheby Tidy
*1936–?: Daniel Thomas Davies
Surgeons
*1936–?: Sir Lancelot Barrington-Ward
*1936–1946: Arthur Porritt, Baron Porritt, Arthur Porritt
Surgeon-Apothecary
*1956–?: Richard May Esq.
Honorific positions
* Piper to the Queen Mother (1953–2002)
Household of Queen Elizabeth II
Household of the Duke of Edinburgh
The Household of the Duke of Edinburgh provided administrative support to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It was based at
Buckingham Palace, and was headed by his
Private Secretary—the Treasurer (part-time 1970–1976) was formerly the senior officer. An
equerry (a major or equivalent from any of the three armed services), and three temporary equerries (usually a captain from the Royal Marines, a captain from the Grenadier Guards, and a captain from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) were part of the household.
Treasurers
*1952–1959: Lieutenant-General (United Kingdom), Lt Gen. Sir Frederick Browning
GCVO KOrder of the British Empire, BE CB Distinguished Service Order, DSO
*Acting, 1957–1960: Captain (British Army and Royal Marines), Capt. David C Alexander, David Alexander
Royal Marines, RM
*1959–1970: Rear Admiral (Royal Navy), RAdm Sir Christopher Douglas Bonham-Carter, Christopher Bonham-Carter
COrder of the Bath, B GCVO
*1970–1982: Lord Rupert Nevill
CVO Justice of the Peace, JP DL KVenerable Order of Saint John, StJ
*Acting, 1982–1984: Sir Richard Davies (Royal Household), Richard Davies
KCVO Order of the British Empire, CBE
*1984–1995: Sir Brian McGrath
GCVO
Private Secretaries
*1947–1957: Lieutenant Commander, Lt Cdr John Michael Avison Parker (Royal Household), Michael Parker
CVO Order of Australia, AM RAN
*1957–1970: James Orr (Royal Household), James Orr
CVO
*May–November 1970: RAdm Sir Christopher Douglas Bonham-Carter, Christopher Bonham-Carter
GCVO CB
*1970–1976: Commander, Cdr William Willett (Royal Household), William Willett
OBE MVO Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom), DSC Royal Navy, RN
*1976–1982: Lord Rupert Nevill
CVO DL
*Acting 1982–1984: Sir Richard Davies (Royal Household), Richard Davies
KCVO CBE
*1984–1992: Sir Brian McGrath
GCVO
*1993–2010: Brigadier, Brig Sir Miles Hunt-Davis
GCVO CBE
*2010–2021: Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell
Household of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall
The Household of the
Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales ( cy, Tywysog Cymru, ; la, Princeps Cambriae/Walliae) is a title traditionally given to the heir apparent to the English and later British throne. Prior to the conquest by Edward I in the 13th century, it was used by the rule ...
and the Duchess of Cornwall was the organised office and support system for Charles, Prince of Wales, and his consort Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. At the time of their 2009 annual review the Office of the Prince of Wales had the full-time equivalent of 121 staff. The head of the Household was the Principal
Private Secretary, Clive Alderton. Senior officials included the Deputy Private Secretary, a senior diplomat seconded from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to advise The Prince on Foreign and Commonwealth affairs, Scott Furssedonn-Wood;
Master of the Household, Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn, Earl of Rosslyn; the Treasurer, Andrew Wright; Communications Secretary, Julian Payne; and the Equerry, Commander Iain Kearsley RN.
In 2000, the Prince revived a tradition of having Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales, an official harpist, a role last seen under Queen Victoria. The first holder of the office was Catrin Finch, followed in 2004 by Jemima Phillips, and in 2007 by Claire Jones (harpist), Claire Jones.
The Prince of Wales' Office was principally based at Clarence House, London, but also occupied rooms in the rest of
St James's Palace
St James's Palace is the most senior royal palace in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. The palace gives its name to the Court of St James's, which is the monarch's royal court, and is located in the City of Westminster in London. Alt ...
. There were also offices for official staff at Highgrove House and Birkhall House, the Prince's private residences.
Most of the expenses incurred in operating the office came from the Prince's private appanage, the Duchy of Cornwall. The only significant costs met by
grant-in-aid provided by the Government was for the upkeep of Clarence House, and for official travel by air and rail, and for communications support.
Details of the Prince's Senior Staff were available in his office's annual reports.
The following titles all have "to/of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall" suffixed when written in full. Prior to the Prince's 2005 marriage, they were instead suffixed "to/of The Prince of Wales".
Principal Private Secretaries
*2005–12 September 2011: Michael Peat, Sir Michael Peat
KCVO[William Nye appointed as Principal Private Secretary to Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall](_blank)
The Prince of Wales, 30 June 2011
*12 September 2011 – 2015: William Nye (courtier), William Nye
LVO
*2015–2022 Clive Alderton, Sir Clive Alderton
KCVO
Private Secretaries
*2009–2012: Clive Alderton, Private Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
*2005–2011: Manon Antoniazzi, Manon Williams
Member of the Royal Victorian Order, MVO, Private Secretary for Wales ''(part-time)''
*2009–: Mark Leishman, LVO (as "Senior Deputy Private Secretary" January – July 2009)
*2001–2008: Elizabeth Buchanan
C VO
*2002–2005: Sir Michael Peat
KCVO
*1996–2002: Sir Stephen Lamport
KCVO
*1991–1996: Cdr Richard Aylard
CVO RN
*1990–1991: Major General, Maj. Gen. Sir Christopher Airy
KCVO CBE
*September 1985 – 1990: Sir Sir John Riddell, 13th Baronet, John Riddell
Baronet, Bt CVO Royal Society of Arts, FRSA
*Acting 1 April–September 1985 David Roycroft
*1979–1985: Edward Adeane
CVO
*1970–1978: Sqn Ldr Sir David Checketts
KCVO
Masters of the Household
*2014–: Cdr Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn, The Earl of Rosslyn, CVO, QPM
*2008–2014: Wing Cdr Richard Pattle
*2006–2008: Lt Col. Sir Malcolm Ross (courtier), Malcolm Ross
*2005–2006: Kevin Knott
Deputy Masters of the Household
*2006–2009: Andrew Farquharson
Treasurers
*2012–: Andrew Wright
*2005–2012: Leslie Ferrar
*–2005: Kevin Knott
Deputy Private Secretaries
*2017–: Scott Furssedonn-Wood
*2014–2017: Jamie Bowden CMG OBE MVO
*2012–2014: Simon Martin
*2008–2013: Benet Northcote
*2006–2008: Clive Alderton
*2005–2008: Mark Leishman
*2005–?: Manon Antoniazzi, Mrs Manon Williams
*2005: James Kidner
MVO
*2002–2005: Elizabeth Buchanan
L VO
*1998–2002: Mark William Bolland, Mark Bolland
*1993–1996: Stephen Lamport
*1990–1993: Sir Peter Westmacott
KCOrder of St Michael and St George, MG LVO
*1988–1990: David Wright (diplomat), David Wright
LVO
*1986–1988: Colonel, Col. Humphrey Mews
Assistant Private Secretaries
*?–present: Emily Cherrington
*?–2011: Sarah Kennedy-Good
*2008: Shilpa Sinha
*2008–: Sophie Densham
*2006–2008: Anita Kumar
*2006–: Jonathan Hellewell
*2005–2007: Katy Golding
*2005–: Joy Camm & Amanda MacManus ''(each part-time)''
*2004–2005: Manon Antoniazzi, Mrs Manon Williams
*2003–2005: Mark Leishman
*2003–2005: James Kidner
*2002–2005: Paul Kefford
*2000–2003: Nigel Baker
*1994–1998: Manon Antoniazzi, Mrs Manon Williams
Equerries
*2020–: Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson,
Royal Regiment of Scotland
*2018–2020: Cdr. Iain Kearsley, Royal Navy
*2015–2018: Maj. Harry Pilcher, Queen's Dragoon Guards
*2013–2015: Maj. David Bevan, Welsh Guards
*2011–2013: Maj. Peter Flynn, Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom), Parachute Regiment
*2008–2011: Maj. Will Mackinlay The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
*2006–2008: Sqn Ldr Jayne Casebury, RAF
*2004–2006: Wing Cdr Richard Pattle, RAF
*2003–2004: Maj. Rupert Lendrum ''(Senior Equerry)''
*2002–2004: Lt Cdr Alastair Graham
*1999–2002: Lt Cdr William Entwisle
*1996–1999: Lt Cdr John Lavery
*1994–1996: Maj. Patrick Tabor
*1991–1994: Lt Cdr Robert Fraser
*1989–1991: Cdr Alastair Watson
*1987–1989: Maj. Christopher Lavender
*1986–1987: Lt Col. Brian Anderson
*1984–1986: Maj. Jack Stenhouse
*1982–1984: Maj. David Bromhead
*–1982: Maj. Quentin Winter, Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom), PARA
*c.1979: Capt. Anthony Asquith, RRW
*1977–: Capt. Christopher Haslett Elliott, RRW
*1976–1978 Capt. T P G N Ward Welsh Guards
*c.1976–1977: Capt. Alun James Davies, RRW
*1972–: Lt Gilbert Kerruish, RRW
*1970–1972: Lt the Hon. Nicholas Soames, 11th Hussars
*c.1971: Lt David Wilson
Assistant Masters of the Household
*2007–: The Honourable Virginia Carington, LVO
**''as "Special Assistant" until 2007''
**''as "Assistant Master of the Household" since 2007''
Communications Secretary
*2022–present: Tobyn Andreae
*2021–2022: Simon Enright
*2016–2021: Julian Payne
Deputy Communications Secretary
*Miss Eva Omaghomi
See also
* Finances of the British royal family
* Funeral directors to the Royal Household
* Monarchy of Canada#Federal residences and royal household, Monarchy of Canada § Federal residences and royal household
* Royal Household Long and Faithful Service Medal
Citations
References
*
*
External links
The Royal Household of HM The King Official website of the British monarchy
Prince of Wales Official Website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Royal Households of the United Kingdom
Royal households
Public bodies and task forces of the United Kingdom government
Positions within the British Royal Household
British royal family