Behind the crown: The unique world of royal employment

Once upon a time, in the enchanted kingdom of data analysis, the wizards at HRForecast waved their magic wands and discovered something extraordinary — royal job vacancies! Yes, you read that right. Even royal families worldwide seek the perfect candidates to join their ranks. Intrigued? So were we!

One such prestigious vacancy is the Assistant private secretary to the Prince of Wales in the UK. Think you have what it takes to assist a prince? You can find the details here. This discovery led us to wonder. What about royal job vacancies around the globe? Let’s dive into this majestic job market.

From Buckingham Palace to the Kingdom of Tonga, royal families often need skilled professionals. Whether managing day-to-day affairs, handling public relations, or even taking care of royal pets, the list of royal duties is endless.

Here’s what we found about the global royal labor market:

• United Kingdom. The British royal family posted over 200 job vacancies in 2023 alone, ranging from archivists and curators to communication officers and chauffeurs. These roles are critical in maintaining the smooth operation of the royal household and supporting the numerous events and engagements that the royal family undertakes annually.
• Monaco. The Grimaldi family of Monaco had around 30 vacancies, focusing on roles in event management and personal assistants. Given Monaco’s reputation for high-profile events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Rose Ball, these roles are vital in ensuring these prestigious events run seamlessly.
• Saudi Arabia. The House of Saud, one of the wealthiest royal families, had about 50 openings, mostly in security and protocol management. With the vast wealth and influence of the Saudi royal family, these positions require individuals with exceptional skills in diplomacy and security.
• Thailand. The Chakri dynasty advertised 40 positions, including cultural advisors and royal chefs. The Thai royal family significantly emphasizes cultural heritage and cuisine, making these roles particularly unique and culturally enriching.
• Japan. The Imperial House of Japan often seeks individuals for roles such as cultural preservationists and palace maintenance staff. Japan’s royal family emphasizes preserving traditional Japanese culture. A prominent position is the cultural advisor, who assists in maintaining and promoting Japan’s rich cultural heritage within the royal family and during state functions.
• Morocco. The Moroccan royal family, part of the Alawi dynasty, regularly advertises positions for protocol officers, security personnel, and cultural liaisons. These roles are essential in maintaining the family’s public image and security. An example role is the royal security advisor, who oversees the security measures for the royal family and their residences.
• Tonga. In Oceania, the Tongan royal family looks for roles such as event planners and traditional culture advisors. Tonga’s royal events are known for their grandeur and adherence to traditional customs. The traditional culture advisor is a notable position who ensures that the royal family’s public appearances and ceremonies align with Tongan cultural traditions.
• New Zealand. Although not a constitutional monarchy, the Maori King Movement frequently seeks individuals to manage cultural events and public relations. The Maori cultural events coordinator is responsible for organizing events that celebrate Maori culture and heritage.

We’ll be honest. Below, you’ll see the data that was available online, which means not all the royal regions are covered. Checking the salary data, we noticed that royal job vacancies have varying salaries depending on the role and location. In the United Kingdom, a communications officer can earn between £30,000 and £35,000 annually. Higher-ranking positions, such as an assistant communications secretary at Buckingham Palace, offer a starting salary of £50,000 to £55,000 per year.

In other royal households, the salary ranges also reflect the roles’ responsibilities and local economic conditions. For instance, senior security personnel in Saudi Arabia can earn between $80,000 and $100,000 annually due to the high level of responsibility involved. In Japan, cultural preservationists and palace maintenance staff typically earn between ¥ $3,000,000 and ¥ $6,000,000 annually (approximately $27,000 to $54,000).

Working in the royal family comes with its perks and challenges. The allure of being a part of history, the prestige of serving the royal family, and the unique experiences the job brings are certainly appealing. However, it also requires a high level of dedication, caution, and adherence to strict protocols.

Imagine starting your day by sipping tea with the Queen or planning the next grand event at a palace! Sounds like a fairy tale? Well, for some, it’s a reality. Here are some unique royal job titles that might tickle your fancy:

• Keeper of the swans. Yes, in the UK, there’s someone whose job is to look after the royal swans. The role involves counting the swans on the River Thames, a 12th century tradition.
• Master of the horse. In Sweden, this role involves managing the royal stables and equestrian activities. It’s a prestigious position combining a passion for horses and royal duties.
• Royal food taster. This ancient role, though rare, highlights the lengths to which royals go to ensure their safety. It still exists in some countries to ensure the safety of royal food.

Working for royalty often comes with unique perks you won’t find in a typical office job. For instance, royal employees may get the chance to travel the world, attend glamorous events, and enjoy exclusive access to historic properties. However, the job also comes with peculiarities that one must adapt to. Adhering to royal etiquette is a must. Every detail matters, from how you address a royal to how you behave in their presence. There’s a complete list of dos and don’ts that royal employees must memorize. Given the high-profile nature of the job, security is paramount. Employees often undergo rigorous background checks and must maintain strict confidentiality. The life of a royal employee is far from a 9-to-5 job. You might be called upon at odd hours to attend to sudden events or emergencies.

While the perks are plenty, working for a royal family is challenging. Here are some common hurdles that royal employees might face:

• High expectations. Royal families expect nothing short of perfection. This can create a high-pressure environment where mistakes are not easily forgiven.
• Privacy sacrifices. Given the need for confidentiality, employees often forget their privacy. Discussing work-related matters outside the palace walls is typically prohibited.
• Adapting to traditions. Royal households are steeped in tradition. Adapting to these age-old practices, some of which may seem archaic, requires patience and respect.

The royal job market is not just about glamor and glitz but also broader employment trends. With the rise of digital transformation, even royal households are modernizing their operations. Here are some key trends:

Many royal families use digital tools to communicate and manage. Social media managers and digital content creators are now typical roles on royal job listings. For example, the British royal family often posts vacancies for digital communications officers who manage their online presence. According to a Forbes report in 2019, the digitization of the royal household is part of a broader trend toward transparency and public engagement.

With growing awareness of environmental issues, roles related to sustainability and green initiatives are becoming more prominent. Royal families are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices in their estates and events. The Prince of Wales, for instance, has long advocated for environmental sustainability, which is reflected in the types of roles advertised within his household. Research from HRForecast indicates that sustainability is a significant focus across various industries, including royal households.

Recent studies have shown a marked increase in the diversity of roles within royal households. According to data from LinkedIn, there has been a 15% increase in job postings related to digital communication and sustainability within royal households over the past five years.

Roles focused on preserving cultural heritage are in demand. These include archivists, historians, and curators, who play a crucial role in maintaining the rich history of royal families. For example, the Royal Household in the UK often seeks professionals to manage its vast archives and historical records. A recent article in The Art Newspaper highlights the importance of cultural preservation roles in maintaining the integrity and continuity of royal history.

HRForecast uses AI-powered automation to deliver insightful workforce management solutions, including those for the unique Royal Employment sector. Our expertise in sustainable workforce management strategies helps royals optimize their operations, ensuring they remain at the forefront of today’s employment trends.

Through our comprehensive sustainability and cost reduction reports, we offer tailored strategies that meet the Royal Houses’ objectives of preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainability, and implementing digital transformation. Check out our information on AI-powered automation and sustainable workforce management to see how we can help your royal house manage these changing trends.

Let’s take a closer look at what a typical day might look like for some of these royal roles. We also listed skills that were adapted from insights on culinary careers, particularly those with high standards, such as royal or fine dining establishments Culinary Institute of America (CIA) – Skills for Success in the Culinary Field, Gordon Ramsay Academy – Essential Skills for Chefs, National Careers Service UK – Chef Job Profile.

Your day might start before dawn when you prepare an exquisite breakfast for the royal family. From sourcing the finest ingredients to crafting dishes that adhere to dietary preferences and restrictions, the role demands culinary excellence and creativity.

Skills for a royal chef

• Culinary expertise. Mastery of various cooking techniques and cuisines to create exquisite and diverse meals.
• Creativity and innovation. Ability to design unique dishes and menus that appeal to the royal family’s tastes and dietary requirements.
• Attention to detail. Ensuring every dish is prepared to the highest standards, with meticulous attention to presentation and taste.
• Time management. Efficiently managing time to prepare multiple meals throughout the day, often starting early in the morning.
• Knowledge of nutrition. Understanding dietary needs and restrictions to craft healthy and balanced meals.
• Ingredient sourcing. Finding and selecting the finest ingredients often requires knowledge of local and international markets.
• Hygiene and safety. Maintaining strict hygiene and safety standards in the kitchen to ensure the health and well-being of the royal family.

Managing the royal family’s public image is a 24/7 job. Your day could involve drafting press releases, handling media inquiries, and crafting social media posts that engage millions of followers.

Skills for a communication officer

• Excellent writing and editing skills. Ability to draft press releases, social media posts, and other transparent, concise, and engaging communications.
• Media relations. Expertise in handling media inquiries and maintaining positive relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Social media proficiency. Skilled in crafting engaging content for various social media platforms and managing online presence.
• Crisis communication. Ability to manage and respond to crises effectively and maintain the organization’s public image.
• Interpersonal skills. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with stakeholders, including the media, public, and internal team members.
• Public relations. Experience developing and implementing public relations strategies to enhance the organization’s image.
• Time management. Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Maintaining the pristine gardens of a royal estate is no small feat. Your day might involve planting rare flowers, trimming hedges into intricate designs, and ensuring the gardens are picture-perfect for upcoming royal events.

Skills for a royal gardener

• Horticultural knowledge. Deep understanding of plant species, soil types, and growing conditions.
• Garden design. Ability to plan and design aesthetically pleasing garden layouts.
• Plant care. Expertise in planting, watering, pruning, and fertilizing plants.
• Pest and disease management. Knowledge of common garden pests and diseases and how to control them.
• Tool maintenance. Proficiency in using and maintaining gardening tools and equipment.
• Event preparation. Skills in preparing gardens for events, ensuring they are in impeccable condition.
• Environmental awareness. Understanding of eco-friendly and sustainable gardening practices.