The Lord Chamberlain is the senior official of the Royal Household. His role is to oversee the conduct and general business of the Royal Household and to be a source and focal point for important matters which have implications for the Household as a whole. His role is non-executive and the post is part-time. His specific responsibilities are: chairing meetings of Heads of Department (the Lord Chamberlain’s Committee) and generally being available for consultation with Heads of Departments; close involvement with all senior appointments; and undertaking ceremonial duties as required. He is also the channel of communication between the Sovereign and the House of Lords. On ceremonial occasions the Lord Chamberlain carries a white staff and a key, the symbols of his office. The position of Lord Chamberlain 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; today, the Lord Chamberlain does not participate in political activities. The current Lord Chamberlain is The Earl Peel GCVO, who was appointed in June 2006.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 07:35:41 +0000
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