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The Lord Chamberlain accompanying The Queen at a garden party for veterans of the Second World War in 2005
© Press Association

THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN

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 Departments (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 staff is symbolically broken over the grave of a deceased Sovereign, which means that the Household is dissolved.

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 Lord Chamberlain accompanying The Queen at a garden party for veterans of the Second World War in 2005 © Press Association THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN 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 Departments (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 staff is symbolically broken over the grave of a deceased Sovereign, which means that the Household is dissolved. 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.
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