Queen Elizabeth II's royal staff could lose their jobs under King Charles III's reign

Queen Elizabeth II's royal staff could lose their jobs under King Charles III's reign
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Paige Creaney

By Paige Creaney


Published: 21/09/2022

- 15:53

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 10:38

Queen Elizabeth II's personal staff have been informed that King Charles III will have an impact on their jobs.

A letter has been sent to a number of employees saying that consultations will be held.

The letter, from Sir Michael Stevens, keeper of the privy purse, says: “I am sure you can appreciate that these are sensitive and challenging times.”


He adds that work is under way to support staff and ensure there are “good communications” over the coming weeks.

Buckingham Palace household staff pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace during the coffin procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, London. Picture date: Monday September 19, 2022.
Buckingham Palace staff pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Carl Court

The letter says: “Consistent with continuity, the approach on Accession is essentially that the requirements and the purpose of the Household continue unchanged following demise.

“While it is too early to confirm the position definitively, it is anticipated that only a very small minority of employees (fewer than 20) who provided personal services to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth will see their posts affected by Her Majesty’s death.

“We will be consulting with you and those affected in relation to these anticipated changes after the State Funeral. Those affected are being written to.”

Last week it was disclosed that up to 100 employees at the King’s former official residence, Clarence House, had been notified that they could lose their jobs.

King Charles III joins the Ceremonial Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel. Picture date: Monday September 19, 2022.
King Charles III
Leon Neal

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents a number of employees in the royal households, said staff had worked for the Queen for a number of years and felt “let down” after receiving the letter.

“Our members are disappointed and saddened by this development,” he said.

Meetings are being held with those affected and staff are being told they can contact employee assistance providers in the coming weeks.

Buckingham Palace has been contacted for a comment.

A Buckingham Palace source said: “The household is working to support any staff affected by changes following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.”

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