Groom of the Stole Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of historical and royal positions, the role of the Groom of the Stole remains shrouded in intrigue and curiosity.

As time unfolds, the interest in understanding this unique position, tasked with maintaining the personal wardrobe of the monarchy, continues to grow.

But let’s unravel the mystery: What’s truly expected from a Groom of the Stole?

Whether you are:

• A history enthusiast seeking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A dramaturge creating a character profile for a play or film,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of historical royal positions,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a detailed Groom of the Stole job description, devised to help you comprehend this role in its full historical context.

Let’s delve right into it.

Groom of the Stole Duties and Responsibilities

The Groom of the Stole was a role in the British Royal Household during the Tudor and Stuart periods.

Although the role no longer exists, the duties and responsibilities included:

• Ensuring the comfort of the King, including dressing and undressing the monarch and assisting with his personal hygiene and toileting needs
• Overseeing the ‘Privy Chamber’, the king’s private apartment
• Being a confidant and advisor to the king, providing counsel on a wide range of issues
• Participating in royal ceremonies, such as coronations and funerals
• Carrying out any specific tasks or duties as directed by the king
• Supervising other servants in the Privy Chamber and ensuring their duties were performed correctly
• Managing the personal finances of the king, including maintaining records of expenditures
• Representing the king in certain matters, acting as a liaison between the king and other courtiers or foreign dignitaries
• Ensuring the King’s wardrobe was maintained, cleaned and prepared for all royal occasions

 

Groom of the Stole Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a trustworthy and responsible individual for the role of Groom of the Stole.

The Groom of the Stole’s responsibilities include supervising the royal dress and wardrobe, managing personal matters, and providing personal assistance to the monarch.

Our ideal candidates have experience in high-ranking roles in a personal or executive assistance capacity.

They should also have a deep understanding and respect for privacy and confidentiality.

 

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage the royal wardrobe, ensuring the attire is appropriate and presentable at all times.
• Offer personal assistance to the monarch, such as helping with dressing and personal grooming.
• Supervise other servants in the personal household of the monarch.
• Arrange and keep track of the monarch’s personal schedule.
• Provide companionship and support to the monarch during both private and public occasions.
• Maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality in all matters.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a high-ranking personal or executive assistance role.
• Experience working in a royal or high-profile environment is a plus.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• High level of discretion and a deep respect for confidentiality.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of etiquette and protocol is preferred.
• Ability to handle stress and remain calm under pressure.

 

Benefits

• Unique experience of working closely with a monarch.
• Comprehensive healthcare package.
• Pension scheme.
• Accommodation and meals provided.
• Travel opportunities.

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Groom of the Stole
• Work Environment: Royal residence, with frequent travel for royal tours and official duties.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the monarch.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: Based on the location of the royal residence.
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Groom of the Stole Do?

The Groom of the Stole is an antiquated role that was part of the royal household in the United Kingdom and other monarchies.

This role was typically held by a close associate or confidant of the monarch.

The primary responsibility of the Groom of the Stole was to assist the monarch in their dressing and undressing.

This often involved handling the monarch’s wardrobe, ensuring their clothes were well-maintained, clean, and appropriate for various occasions and ceremonies.

In addition to these duties, the Groom of the Stole was also responsible for managing the monarch’s personal affairs.

This could involve anything from overseeing the monarch’s personal correspondence to managing their personal schedule.

Over time, as the role evolved, the Groom of the Stole became a position of significant influence and was often held by a nobleman who held other positions at court.

The Groom of the Stole became responsible for managing the monarch’s private chamber and the staff who worked within it.

Though the role no longer exists in its original form, it highlights the intimate and trusted relationship that existed between the monarch and their personal attendants.

 

Groom of the Stole Qualifications and Skills

The Groom of the Stole is an antiquated role that was found in the royal household of the king of England.

Traditionally, the Groom of the Stole was responsible for the king’s wardrobe and toilet.

While this position no longer exists in the modern era, the following skills and qualifications would have been beneficial for this role:

• A deep understanding and appreciation of fashion and style, to ensure that the monarch is always dressed appropriately and in line with current trends.
• Exceptional organization and time management skills, to efficiently manage the king’s wardrobe and ensure that all clothing is ready and available when needed.
• Interpersonal skills, to build a relationship of trust and confidentiality with the king. This role often involved close personal contact with the monarch, so discretion and respect were of utmost importance.
• Attention to detail, in order to manage the intricacies of the royal wardrobe and ensure that no detail is overlooked.
• Physical stamina, as this role could involve long hours and potentially heavy lifting.
• Communication skills, as the Groom of the Stole would often serve as an intermediary between the king and other members of the household or court.

 

Groom of the Stole Experience Requirements

Grooms of the Stole, or private personal assistants to royalty, typically require extensive experience in personal service, hospitality, or management roles.

It is essential for these individuals to have a strong understanding of etiquette, protocol, and discretion.

Entry-level candidates often have 2-3 years of experience in high-end hospitality, personal assistant roles or have served in the military.

This experience equips them to understand the demands of the role, which may include managing staff, scheduling, and ensuring the personal comfort and convenience of their employer.

Candidates with 5+ years of experience are often preferred.

This level of experience usually comes from serving in a similar role for high-profile individuals or families, where discretion, reliability, and the ability to anticipate needs are critical.

Those with over 10 years of experience often have extensive knowledge and skills in managing complex schedules, coordinating with other staff members, and ensuring the smooth running of the household or office.

They may also have experience in managing other employees, making them suitable for roles requiring the supervision of junior staff members.

Some may also have experience in public relations or diplomacy, further enhancing their suitability for the role.

In this role, one’s personal character, discretion, and ability to anticipate needs are as crucial as professional experience.

A background check is standard for this role due to the sensitive nature of the job.

 

Groom of the Stole Education and Training Requirements

The role of the Groom of the Stole is a historical position, dating back to the reign of Henry VIII in the English royal court.

This role was often bestowed as a matter of personal favoritism rather than through any specific educational requirements.

Traditionally, the individual would need to come from a noble or aristocratic background, as the position was one of high status within the court.

Given the personal nature of the role, which involved attending to the monarch’s physical comfort and attire, trustworthiness and discretion were paramount attributes.

While no formal education was required, a candidate for the Groom of the Stole would need to have a deep understanding of court etiquette and royal protocols.

In today’s terms, individuals in similar roles, such as a personal attendant or assistant, usually require a high school diploma at minimum, with many roles requiring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business administration, hospitality, or a related field.

Training in etiquette, personal grooming, and customer service would also be beneficial for such a role.

A keen sense of discretion, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the individual being served are also key.

 

Groom of the Stole Salary Expectations

The Groom of the Stole, traditionally a role in the British Royal Household, does not have a publicly disclosed salary.

The compensation for this largely ceremonial role, which today is usually held by a senior peer or bishop, would likely include a combination of stipends, allowances, and other forms of indirect remuneration.

However, as a historic position, it’s not common to find modern salary expectations for this role.

 

Groom of the Stole Job Description FAQs

What was the role of the Groom of the Stole?

The Groom of the Stole was a role in the royal household of the Kingdom of England.

The primary duties of the Groom of the Stole were to dress and undress the monarch and assist in personal grooming and washing.

The Groom of the Stole was a highly trusted individual who had daily access to the King or Queen, making the role one of high prestige and responsibility.

 

Do you need specific qualifications to be a Groom of the Stole?

Historically, the role of Groom of the Stole was not based on formal qualifications but rather on personal trust and confidence from the monarch.

Therefore, specific qualifications were not required, but loyalty, discretion, and reliability were essential.

It was often a role given to noble men who were close confidants of the monarch.

 

Is the Groom of the Stole role still in existence?

The position of Groom of the Stole has been discontinued in the modern royal household.

The last known Groom of the Stole served Queen Victoria in the late 19th century.

Today, the duties once performed by the Groom of the Stole are carried out by different members of the royal household staff.

 

What qualities were sought after in a Groom of the Stole?

The Groom of the Stole was typically a person of high moral character, loyalty and discretion.

The nature of the role required close personal contact with the monarch, so trustworthiness was paramount.

The person in this role also had to be diligent, dependable and respectful.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the true essence of being a Groom of the Stole.

Surprising isn’t it?

It’s not just about attending to the monarch’s personal needs.

It’s about orchestrating the royal routine, one task at a time.

With our comprehensive Groom of the Stole job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready for a royal adventure.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your royal key to precision-crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every task contributes to the grandeur of the royal life.

Let’s unlock that future. Together.

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