|
 Preparing for a State Banquet in St George's Hall, Windsor Castle (before the 1992 fire)
David Secombe, © Royal Collection Enterprises |
|
|
Master of the Household's Department
The Master of the Household is responsible for domestic arrangements and staff, as well as the catering and official entertaining at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, including the Royal Yacht. Whether the event is a reception for 700, a State Banquet for 170 or an informal lunch for 12, the Master supervises all aspects, from organising the formal arrangements, drawing up the guest lists and seating plans to the preparation and service of the meal on the day.
His Department is the largest in the Household, with a staff of nearly 285. Apart from the Royal kitchens, this Department is also responsible for housekeeping and general domestic matters as well as travel/baggage arrangements for The Queen's journeys. Staff include cleaners, porters, specialist furniture craftsmen, pages (who supervise the arrival and departure of people being received by The Queen, and visitors on business with the Royal Household) and footmen (who act as messengers, look after visitors staying in the Royal residence, and assist with the serving of meals). Footmen are lent to the Royal Mews for carriage duties on ceremonial occasions.
The position of Master of the Household was first created in the Household reforms of 1539. Until the late 17th century, there were four Masters - the (one) Master today makes full use of computerised catering administration and other measures to maintain cost efficiency. |
|
