What Queen Elizabeth’s And The Royal Family’s Staff Really Think About Them

Working for Queen Elizabeth and the royal family would definitely be an honor for most. However, very few will actually be able to experience the privilege. Because of the hefty qualifications required and the almost 6-month long application period, getting a spot to work for the royals is definitely a challenge.

But other than the fact that it’s difficult to get a role at Buckingham Palace, not much is known about the working conditions and environment there as they follow a very strict nondisclosure agreement for their employees. As such, many become curious as to the inner workings of life at the Palace. And according to some employees, it’s not quite as one would think.

According to former royal protection officer Simon Morgan, it’s definitely a far cry from a person’s regular day job. Morgan was a police officer in London prior to taking on his role at the Palace in 2007, and he admitted that he felt a bit of a culture shock when he changed roles.

“I was working in some of the not-nice parts of London, then all of a sudden I’m working for senior members of the royal family,” he said. “I was working in different environments, from banquets to large scale events. It turned my career on its head.”

Deborah Mitchell, facialist to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, experienced something similar to Morgan’s experience. Suddenly she was being thrust into a life of private parties at Buckingham Palace and even staying over at Prince Charles and Camilla’s private Highgrove residence and the Queen’s Sandringham estate.

“They [Charles and Camilla] have looked after me, they’ve treated me,” she said. “You wouldn’t even want to get paid — you just love the experience.”

Despite the glamor and luxury that working with the royal family seems to give, the job holds a lot of pressure as well. Morgan shares that every move is calculated and made with heavy preparation in order to move like a well-oiled machine.

“It’s a pressure cooker scenario,” he explained. “You’re constantly thinking, ‘what if?’”

The job, they all seem to agree, is one that is very unique and fulfilling. Not only is their workplace a beautiful place, but they’re able to build a relationship with their employers as well.

“They’re all very easy to speak to; they’re all very respectful of what your role is,” Morgan shared. “Certainly no one was aloof, or nobody treated you badly.”