Vice-Chamberlain of the Household facts for kids
The Vice-Chamberlain of the Household is an important job within the Royal Household of the King or Queen of the United Kingdom. This person usually works as a senior government whip in the British Parliament. They are like a deputy to the Lord Chamberlain of the Household. When they are on duty for big events, they carry a special white staff.
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What Does the Vice-Chamberlain Do?
The Vice-Chamberlain has a few main jobs. One of their most important tasks is to write a daily private report for the King or Queen. This report tells the monarch what happened in the House of Commons that day. They also help pass messages from the House of Commons to the King or Queen and back again.
As part of the Royal Household, the Vice-Chamberlain attends certain special events with the King or Queen. This includes the yearly garden party at Buckingham Palace.
The "Held Captive" Tradition
There's a really old and interesting tradition for the Vice-Chamberlain. When the King or Queen goes to Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament, the Vice-Chamberlain stays behind at Buckingham Palace. They are "held captive" there! This tradition started a long time ago, after King Charles I was executed by Parliament. It was a way to make sure the King or Queen would return safely. While "captive," the Vice-Chamberlain gets to choose a drink, like champagne or sherry, and watches the State Opening on TV.
How They Kept the Queen Informed
During the later years of her reign, Elizabeth II received a daily email from her Vice-Chamberlain. The Queen was known for being very well-informed about British politics. She read newspapers every day and listened to the Today radio show on BBC Radio 4.
One former Vice-Chamberlain, Andrew MacKay, was told by the Queen's private secretary to include more "gossip and inside information" in his reports. He started writing about "who's up, who's down" in politics for the Queen. Another Vice-Chamberlain, Anne Milton, tried to find things that "might amuse" the Queen and add "a bit of colour" to her reports from the House of Commons. Jim Fitzpatrick, who held the job from 2003 to 2005, said the Queen encouraged him to share news that "doesn't make the press." He felt he could be very honest with her because their conversations were private. These daily reports started being sent by email to Buckingham Palace in 2014. Before that, a messenger would deliver the dispatches.
Some Famous Vice-Chamberlains
Many important people have held the job of Vice-Chamberlain over the centuries. Some well-known names include Sir George Carteret, Lord Hervey, the Earl of Harrington, the Earl Spencer, Michael Stewart, and Bernard Weatherill.
