Household of Edward VII and Alexandra facts for kids
The Royal Households of the United Kingdom are like the teams of people who work for the British Royal Family. They help the King or Queen and other members of the Royal Family with their daily duties and public appearances. Each important member of the Royal Family usually has their own small "Household" or team of staff.
For example, King Edward VII (who lived from 1841 to 1910) had his own household. When he was born, he was made Prince of Wales, and his staff was called the Household of the Prince of Wales starting in 1841. When he married in 1863, he and his wife, Queen Alexandra (1844–1925), shared the Household of the Prince and Princess of Wales. This lasted until they became King and Queen in January 1901. After that, his household became the Household of the Sovereign, and Queen Alexandra got her own separate team called the Household of the Queen. Later, after King Edward VII passed away in 1910, her household was known as the Household of Queen Alexandra.
Contents
The Prince of Wales's First Household (1841–1863)
Before he was married, the Prince of Wales had a small team to help him. These were some of the important roles:
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Treasurer and Cofferer: This person managed the Prince's money and expenses.
- Chancellor and Keeper of the Great Seal: This role was like a legal advisor, handling important documents and official stamps.
- Privy Seal: Another legal role, dealing with secret or private official documents.
- Attorney-General: The main lawyer for the Prince.
- Tutor: A teacher who helped the young Prince with his studies.
When the Prince of Wales married Princess Alexandra, their households combined. They had many staff members who helped them with their busy lives and public duties.
Managing the Household
- Keeper of the Privy Purse and Comptroller: This important person looked after the royal family's private money and managed the household's spending. Sir Dighton Probyn held this role for a long time.
- Private Secretary: This person was a key advisor and managed all the Prince's private and official communications. Sir Francis Knollys was a well-known private secretary.
Helping the Prince
- Lords of the Bedchamber: These were noblemen who attended to the Prince, helping him with his daily life and official duties.
- Grooms-in-Waiting: Similar to the Lords of the Bedchamber, these were gentlemen who assisted the Prince.
- Equerries: These officers were responsible for the Prince's horses and travel. They often rode with him and helped with his public appearances.
Helping the Princess
- Lords Chamberlain to the Princess of Wales: These noblemen managed the Princess's household and her public engagements.
- Private Secretaries to the Princess of Wales: These individuals handled the Princess's correspondence and appointments.
- Ladies of the Bedchamber: These were noblewomen who served as companions and assistants to the Princess. They helped her with her daily routine and social duties.
- Women of the Bedchamber: These ladies also assisted the Princess, often with more personal tasks.
Royal Doctors
- Physician in Ordinary: These were the main doctors who looked after the health of the Prince and Princess.
King Edward VII's Household (1901–1910)
When the Prince of Wales became King Edward VII, his household grew and took on new responsibilities to support the monarch.
Top Household Officials
- Master of the Horse: This person was in charge of all the King's horses, stables, and royal transport.
- Lord Steward: This official managed the King's household finances and staff.
- Lord Chamberlain: A very senior role, this person oversaw many parts of the royal household, including ceremonies and public events.
- Vice-Chamberlain: The assistant to the Lord Chamberlain.
- Treasurer: Another key person managing the King's money.
- Comptroller: This role helped manage the household's accounts and spending.
- Lords-in-Waiting: Noblemen who attended the King and helped with various duties.
Managing the King's Daily Life
- Master of the Household: This person was responsible for the day-to-day running of the royal residences.
- Keeper of the Privy Purse: Managed the King's private funds.
- Private Secretary: The King's most trusted advisor, handling all his important papers and communications. Sir Francis Knollys continued in this vital role.
- Crown Equerry: The chief equerry, in charge of all the King's equerries and royal transport.
- Equerries: Officers who attended the King, often riding with him and assisting at public events.
- Grooms-in-Waiting: Gentlemen who assisted the King.
Ceremonial Roles
- Master of the Ceremonies: This person organized royal ceremonies and events.
- Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod: A very old and important role, especially in Parliament.
- Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State: Carried the ceremonial Sword of State during important events.
- Gentleman Ushers: Attended to guests and helped with royal events.
Other Important Roles
- Governor and Constable of Windsor Castle: The person in charge of Windsor Castle.
- Keeper of the Jewel House, Tower of London: Looked after the Crown Jewels.
- Poet Laureate: A poet appointed by the King to write poems for special occasions.
- Master of the King's Music: The leader of the King's musicians.
Royal Medical Team
The King had a team of doctors and surgeons to look after his health.
- Physicians in Ordinary: The main doctors.
- Serjeant Surgeons in Ordinary: The chief surgeons.
Religious Advisors
The King also had religious advisors and chaplains.
- Lord High Almoner: Distributed money to the poor on behalf of the King.
- Dean of the Chapels Royal: The head of the King's private chapels.
- Chaplains-in-Ordinary: Clergy who served in the royal chapels.
Queen Alexandra's Household (1901–1925)
Queen Alexandra had her own household to support her duties as Queen and later as the Queen Mother.
Key Staff for the Queen
- Lords Chamberlain to the Queen: Managed her household and public life.
- Treasurers: Managed her finances.
- Equerries: Assisted her with travel and public appearances.
- Private Secretaries: Handled her correspondence and appointments.
- Mistresses of the Robes: A very senior lady who helped the Queen with her wardrobe and attended her on important occasions.
- Ladies of the Bedchamber: Noblewomen who served as companions and assistants.
- Women of the Bedchamber: Assisted the Queen with daily tasks.
- Maids of Honour: Young, unmarried noblewomen who attended the Queen.
Queen's Medical Team
Queen Alexandra also had her own team of medical professionals, including surgeons, physicians, and specialists.
Queen's Religious Support
- Hon. Domestic Chaplain: Clergy who provided religious support to the Queen.
See also
- Royal Households of the United Kingdom
- Household of George V and Mary
