Royal Family: How you can get a job working for the Queen and Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences

From travelling around the world in private jets to dancing with the Queen and even meeting some of the most incredible and recognisable people, what is it really like working for the most famous family in the world?

Working for the Queen in the likes of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and other royal residences, must truly be a pinch yourself moment.

There are very few people who can say what the job is truly like given just how difficult it can be to secure a role.

But for those who are lucky enough, here’s what you need to know.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton ditches signature bouncy blow-dry and sports new hairstyle in preparation to become Queen

Whether you are applying to become a Private Secretary, an Equerry, a Cleaner or a Chef, there is likely a role for everyone with every skill set.

According to the Royal Family website, there is a long application process that goes with each job, as well as vigorous security checks.

The website says: “In order to apply for a vacancy, you will either be a British citizen or you will have already obtained the legal right to work in the UK.”

It continues: “Everyone who works for the Royal Household is security cleared. If successful, you will therefore go through our security vetting process.”

In an interview with Town & Country Magazine , former royal staff explained just what working for the family involves and why it is such a good job.

Grant Harrold, a former butler to the Prince of Wales said: “I remember being nervous when I met the Prince of Wales, and he somehow managed to take the nerves away as we had afternoon tea and simply spoke to each other. I must have done something right that day as I was in a position very soon after.”

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Another staff member is ex-Royal Protection Officer Simon Morgan. As a former MET Police Officer, Morgan explained: “You have to be an experienced police officer first. If you’re going into royal protection, you’re looking at no less than 10 to 15 years service, pending on the previous roles you have come from.”

He continued: “[The royals] are used to protection, it’s called cradle to grave, that’s what they get, and they very much know how protection officers should work, behave, and look… They understand all these things before you even get there.”

While working for one of the richest families in the world may seem unappealing to some, former staff explain there are many perks.

Harrold says: “The family would [invite] staff to Christmas parties, tea parties, and balls. A fond memory of mine is getting to dance with the Queen at the Gillies Ball in the Balmoral ballroom.”

Another benefit of the job is that you get a personal Christmas gift from the Queen every year.

A source told The Mail : “About 1500 Christmas puddings paid for by The Queen (through the Privy Purse) are distributed to staff throughout the Palaces, staff in the Court Post Office and Palace police,” the website states.

“Each pudding is accompanied by a greeting card from The Queen.”

At time of writing, there are five active roles on offer at three different royal residences.

The current vacancies include a Daily Cleaner (£11,300 to £22,600) and an Assistant Staff Restaurant Manager (£23,000 – £24,000) at Buckingham Palace, a Gardener (£19,500) and a Senior Building Surveyor (£55,000 – £60,000) at Windsor Castle and an Office and Facilities Assistant (£21,750) at St James’s Palace.

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