Charles' most senior official quits £140k-a-year role due to little-known rule

15 January 2024 , 13:14

873     0

The Lord Chamberlain break his wand of office next to King Charles at the late Queen's funeral (Image: Getty Images)

King Charles' most senior official is to quit his historic role following a little-known royal tradition.

Former MI5 spy chief Lord Parker is to step down from his role as Lord Chamberlain. Buckingham Palace said the move follows precedent and would complete the "transition to a new household for the new reign". It added it has been consistent practice for generations for there to be a new Lord Chamberlain following the initial transition period after the death of a sovereign. "In the meantime, Lord Parker will continue to support their majesties in their service to the nation and beyond," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson explained.

Lord Parker performed a key role at the late Queen's funeral during her committal service in St George's Chapel, when he 'broke' his Wand of Office – dismantling it into two halves – and placed it on the late Queen’s coffin. The symbolic breaking of the staff signified the end of his service to the Queen as sovereign.

Lord Parker with the late Queen at MI5 headquarters in 2020 (PA)

Lord Parker, who will step down later this year, heads the King’s working household and it is his job to ensure the smooth running of all the different departments. Andrew Parker, whose full title is Baron Parker of Minsmere, took up the role of Lord Chamberlain on April 1 2021, just over a week before Prince Philip died at the age of 99. He oversaw the funeral of Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, in 2021.

He served as director general of MI5 from April 2013 for seven years and hosted a visit by the Queen to the intelligence agency in 2020. His predecessor as Lord Chamberlain was the Earl Peel, who was in the job for nearly 15 years. Lord Parker’s successor has yet to be announced.

Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'

The post, which pays up to £140,000 a year – or as much as £165,000 including pension payments – is a part-time one and includes chairing a monthly meeting of all heads of department and a weekly update. The Lord Chamberlain oversees all senior appointments in the household, is the channel of communication between the sovereign and the House of Lords, and ensures coordination between Buckingham Palace and other households.

The position dates from the Middle Ages when the King's Chamberlain often acted as the King’s spokesman in Council and Parliament. Until 1924, the appointment was a political one but now the Lord Chamberlain does not participate in political activities.

Jennifer Newton