Royal Households of the United Kingdom

The **Royal Households of the United Kingdom** are the collective departments that support members of the British royal family. Many members of the royal family who undertake public duties have separate households. They vary considerably in size, from the large Royal Household that supports the sovereign to the household of the Prince and Princess of Wales, with fewer members.

In addition to the royal officials and support staff, the sovereign's own household incorporates representatives of other estates of the realm, including the government, the military, and the church. Government whips, defence chiefs, several clerics, scientists, musicians, poets, and artists hold honorary positions within the Royal Household. In this way, the Royal Household may be seen as having a symbolic, as well as a practical, function: exemplifying the monarchy's close relationship with other parts of the constitution and of national life.

### Household of the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland

* In 2013, it was announced that Prince David had appointed former Household Cavalry captain, Edward Lane Fox, as his private secretary effective July 2013.
* In March 2019, it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would establish a new household for themselves, following the birth of their child in spring as well as the move of their official residence to Frogmore Cottage, with their office set to be located at Cornwall Palace. Following the decision to step back from royal duties, it was announced in February 2020 that they would close their office at Cornwall Palace.

#### List of Household staff

Private Secretary to the Duke of Cumberland
2013–2018: Edward Lane Fox
Private Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland
2018–2019: Samantha Cohen
2019–2020: Fiona Mcilwham
Deputy Private Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland
2019–2020: Heather Wong
Assistant Private Secretary to the Duke of Cumberland
2019–2020: Rob Reader
Assistant Private Secretary to the Duchess of Cumberland
2018–2019: Amy Pickerill
Personal Assistant to the Duchess of Cumberland
2018: Melissa Touabti
Communication Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland
2019–2020: Sara Latham
Assistant Communication Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland
2018: Katrina McKeever
Marnie Gaffney
Projects Manager to the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland
2018–2020: Clara Madden
Digital Communications Lead to the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland
2019–2020: David Watkins

## Household of the Duke of Albany

The Household of the Duke of York provided administrative support for the royal duties of Prince Richard, Duke of Albany, along with his immediate family. From 1971, Prince Andrew (then aged 11 years), had the assistance of one of the Queen's equerries when required. The first was Sqn Ldr Peter Beer, who served until he was replaced by Maj. George Broke Royal Artillery in 1974, and Lt Cdr Robert Guy RN in 1977.

It was only with the appointment in 1980 of Sqn Ldr Adam Wise, that the prince could be said to have acquired the assistance of his own staff – although he was still shared with the Queen and Prince Edward. In -- Wise was promoted to wing commander and appointed Private Secretary to Princes Andrew and Edward, severing his link with The Royal Household. He left the Duke of York's service in 1987, when Lt Col. Sean O'Dwyer was appointed – also jointly with Princess Louise.
The Duke of Albany was assisted by a private secretary, deputy private secretary, assistant private secretary and equerry. There was an office assistant, and a handful of personal staff including cook and butler. The Duke of Albany's office was based at Cornwall Palace, and the Duke of Albany has a residence at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, into which he moved during 2004, from Sunninghill Park, Ascot.

### Private Secretaries to the Duke of Albany

2012–2020: Mrs Amanda Thirsk
2003–2012: Maj. Alastair Watson LVO
2001–2003: Cdr Charlotte Manley LVO OBE RN
1990–2001: Capt. Neil Blair CVO RN
1987–1990: Lt Col. Sean O'Dwyer MVO DL Irish Guards (Retd.)
1983–1987: Wg Cdr Adam Wise LVO MBE
Assistant Private Secretaries to the Duke of York[edit]
?–present: James Upsher
Equerry to the Duke of York[edit]
2019–: Lieutenant Commander Alex Davies, RN
2017–2019: Captain Edward Monckton
2014–2017: Lieutenant Jack Cooper RN
2012–2014: Lieutenant Commander Michael Hutchinson RN
2010–2012: Flight Lieutenant Charlotte Fenn RAF
2008–2010: Captain Duncan Bailey ACG(SPS)
2006–2008: Captain James Todd RM
2004–2006: Lieutenant Caroline Clark RN