Behind the Royal Doors: Prince William’s Staff and the Changing Face of Royal Service

As of this publication, specific details about the number of servants or staff members employed by Prince William and his family are not publicly disclosed. However, it is widely known that members of the royal family typically have a range of staff, including personal assistants, household managers, and various support roles. In general, the royal household can employ dozens of staff members to manage daily operations, but the exact number can vary depending on the family's needs and requirements.

Modern Royal Staffing: More Than Just Servants

The traditional concept of "servants" has evolved into modern "staff" within the royal family. For instance, Prince William reportedly has fifteen staff members. However, he can draw on the resources of the Queen’s household for planning and implementing royal tours where he represents the Queen.

Shared Resources and Privy Staff

Within the confines of official residences, many of the staff are shared between senior members of the royal family. For Prince William and his family, they may independently advertise and employ their own staff, including nannies, housekeepers, butlers, and gardeners for their private homes.

Prince Charles, on the other hand, has vast estates, employing many thousands of people. It would be impossible to accurately guess the exact number of staff he employs, but similar principles apply. The term 'servants' is often a euphemism for 'staff,' reflecting the changing nature of these roles.

Official Household versus Personal Staff

The royal household is divided into distinct layers of employment. The official household staff, numbering 116.2, includes numerous positions such as Principal Private Secretary, Private Secretary, Deputy Private Secretary, Assistant Private Secretary, Communications Secretary, and Deputy Communications Secretary. Additionally, positions like Master of the Household, Deputy Master of the Household, Treasurer, and Deputy Treasurer are also part of the official household. These roles are primarily administrative and personal support in nature.

Personal staff, including valets, butlers, housekeepers, chefs, maids, gardeners, groundsmen, and more, are also crucial. While the number of personal staff is not made public, there have been anecdotal mentions of them. An interesting note is that these roles can see significant changes. For example, Michael Fawcett, who served as the valet to Prince Charles, was promoted to CEO of the Prince's Foundation after resigning twice due to damaging claims. He is now being investigated for financial irregularities.

Official Royal Staff Management

The Queen's household is significantly larger, with posts such as Lord Chamberlain, Lord Steward, Master of the Horse, Keeper of the Privy Purse, and more. The domestic workforce alone at Buckingham Palace is immense, with 400 staff members, including two dedicated to clock maintenance.

The Royal website often uses the word 'diverse' in the context of staff roles, which may not necessarily mean what the public thinks. It's important to understand that the roles are now more varied and include advanced positions in management, communications, and logistics.

In conclusion, the royal family maintains a complex system of staff management, blending traditional roles with modern professional positions. The number of staff members varies widely depending on the needs of the family and the specific roles they perform. Future changes and updates in staff management might offer more insight into these positions and the roles they fulfill.