Page of the Backstairs Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of royal or upper-class households, the role of the Page of the Backstairs is often overlooked, yet it carries immense significance.

As the keeper of the household’s secret passages, with each passing day, the demand for skilled individuals who can navigate, maintain, and secure these hidden routes heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Page of the Backstairs?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this unique role,
• A hiring steward outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or merely fascinated by the clandestine side of a household’s running,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Page of the Backstairs job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or domestic staffing sites.

Let’s get right into it.

Page of the Backstairs Duties and Responsibilities

The Page of the Backstairs is a historically significant role within a royal household, particularly in the United Kingdom.

This role has evolved over centuries and currently involves a mix of personal service, administrative tasks, and ceremonial duties.

The duties and responsibilities of the Page of the Backstairs include:

• Serving as a personal attendant to the monarch or other members of the royal family
• Carrying out various tasks as requested by the royal family, including delivering messages, fetching items, and providing companionship
• Assisting with the organization and execution of royal events and ceremonies
• Maintaining a strict level of confidentiality concerning the private affairs of the royal family
• Acting as a liaison between the royal family and other members of the royal household
• Upholding the traditions, customs, and etiquette of the royal household
• Maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct and presentation
• Providing occasional support to other departments within the royal household

 

Page of the Backstairs Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a discreet and dedicated Page of the Backstairs to ensure the smooth running of the household, while also acting as the key liaison between the staff and the employer.

The individual will be responsible for delivering messages, supervising the work of the house staff, and maintaining the household’s security and privacy.

The ideal candidate should be service-oriented, highly organized, and capable of handling confidential information with utmost discretion.

Experience in a similar role in a private household or high-profile setting will be highly regarded.

 

Responsibilities

• Convey messages and instructions from the employer to the household staff.
• Ensure the smooth operation of all household activities and maintenance.
• Maintain the utmost discretion and confidentiality in all matters.
• Supervise household staff, ensuring their duties are completed to a high standard.
• Ensure the security and privacy of the household at all times.
• Arrange appointments and engagements as directed by the employer.
• Assist in the planning and execution of events and functions.
• Address any issues or emergencies in a timely and efficient manner.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Page of the Backstairs, Butler, or in a similar role in a private household or high-profile setting.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of etiquette and protocol.
• Ability to manage and supervise staff.
• Flexibility to adapt to the changing needs and demands of the employer.
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently.

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Accommodation and meals provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Travel opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Page of the Backstairs
• Work Environment: Residential setting, may involve travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the employer or the House Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce. 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 Page of the Backstairs Do?

A Page of the Backstairs, also known as a Royal Page, is a traditional role in royal households, often associated with the British monarchy.

Their primary responsibility is to serve as personal attendants to the monarch or other members of the royal family.

This involves carrying out various personal tasks such as delivering messages, serving meals, and assisting with dressing.

A Page of the Backstairs may also be tasked with maintaining the personal rooms of the royal household, ensuring everything is in place and well-maintained.

They often have a close relationship with the royalty they serve, sometimes even trusted with sensitive information due to their proximity.

Their role can also involve ceremonial duties, such as attending state occasions and royal events.

They may also be required to travel with the royal family on official visits and engagements.

Historically, the role of a Page of the Backstairs was a position of great prestige and was often filled by individuals from noble families.

Today, it is still regarded as a highly respected role within the royal household.

 

Page of the Backstairs Qualifications and Skills

The role of a Page of the Backstairs, traditionally found within royal households, requires a unique set of skills and qualifications.

These may include:

• Discretion and trustworthiness due to the sensitive nature of the role and the proximity to the royal family and confidential information.
• Exceptional organizational skills for managing tasks, schedules, and other responsibilities efficiently and timely.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with other staff members, guests and the royal family.
• High levels of professionalism and personal presentation, as the role often represents the royal household to outsiders.
• Physical stamina as the role may involve standing for long periods, carrying messages or items between rooms or buildings, and performing other tasks that require physical effort.
• Ability to follow protocols and abide by a strict code of conduct due to the formal and traditional nature of the royal household.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a large team in a hierarchical structure.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to cater to the needs of a diverse range of guests visiting the royal household.

 

Page of the Backstairs Experience Requirements

The role of Page of the Backstairs, a position usually found in royal households or high-ranking noble houses, requires a unique set of experiences and skills.

This role typically involves serving as a personal attendant to a monarch or noble, facilitating communication between different members of the household, and managing various tasks behind the scenes.

There is no specific educational requirement for this role, but experience in personal service, hospitality, or a similar field is generally expected.

Prospective Pages of the Backstairs should have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in these areas, demonstrating a strong understanding of personal service and etiquette.

This could be gained through roles such as a Butler, Personal Assistant, or other service roles in high-end hotels or resorts.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are generally more desired as they are presumed to have developed a greater understanding of the complex dynamics within high-ranking households and the discretion and tact required in such roles.

Experience in managing sensitive information, anticipating needs, and coordinating tasks under pressure are key skills developed during this period.

Those with over 5 years of experience are often considered for senior roles within the household, such as Head Page, where they would be responsible for training and managing other Pages, and coordinating the household’s daily operations.

In this case, leadership experience and a proven track record of managing a team would be a significant advantage.

 

Page of the Backstairs Education and Training Requirements

The term Page of the Backstairs is traditionally used to refer to a role within royal households, specifically within the British monarchy.

This position involves serving the royal family directly and typically includes duties such as carrying messages, assisting with clothing, and other personal tasks.

Being a Page of the Backstairs requires no specific formal education.

However, a high school diploma or equivalent might be preferred.

Candidates should have excellent communication skills, a high level of discretion, and the ability to work under pressure.

Training for this position is typically provided on-the-job, where the individual learns the intricacies of the royal household and the expectations of the role.

This may involve mentorship from a senior Page or other members of the royal household staff.

Furthermore, individuals in this role must be well-versed in etiquette and royal protocol, which is often learned through hands-on experience and guidance rather than formal education.

As the position often involves interaction with high-ranking individuals and foreign dignitaries, proficiency in multiple languages can be beneficial.

While not required, a background in hospitality or experience in a similar role, such as a butler or personal assistant, could be advantageous.

 

Page of the Backstairs Salary Expectations

A Page of the Backstairs, a role typically found in royal or noble households, is not commonly paid in modern times as it is often a honorary position.

In historical context, the Page of the Backstairs was provided with food, lodging, clothing and small stipends or allowances instead of a regular salary.

Today, if this role were to be remunerated, it would depend largely on the specific duties, the employer’s discretion and the individual’s level of experience.

It is important to note that this role is extremely rare and not comparable to common job roles.

 

Page of the Backstairs Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Page of the Backstairs need?

Pages of the Backstairs should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they interact directly with important personalities.

They should be reliable, discrete, and capable of performing tasks independently.

Organizational skills, time management, and physical stamina are also important as the role involves coordinating various tasks and being on their feet most of the time.

 

Do Pages of the Backstairs need a degree?

Pages of the Backstairs do not necessarily need a formal degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often required.

Some employers might prefer candidates with a degree in hospitality management or a related field.

Training in etiquette, diplomacy, and communication could be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Page of the Backstairs resume?

Look for experience in a similar role or in the hospitality industry.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills for the position, such as strong communication skills, reliability, and discretion.

Any experience or training in diplomacy, etiquette, or high-level client service would be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Page of the Backstairs?

A good Page of the Backstairs is reliable, punctual, and has a professional demeanor.

They have excellent interpersonal skills and are comfortable in a high-level, often formal, environment.

They are able to handle sensitive information with discretion and are adept at multitasking and prioritizing their workload.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Page of the Backstairs?

The difficulty in hiring a Page of the Backstairs can depend on the specific expectations and requirements of the employer.

As this is a unique and highly specialized role, finding the right candidate with the necessary skills, demeanor, and experience can be a challenge.

It is important to have a well-defined job description and recruitment process to attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the mystery of what it really means to be a Page of the Backstairs.

And guess what?

It’s not just about serving behind the scenes.

It’s about orchestrating the unseen yet important operations, one task at a time.

With our handy Page of the Backstairs job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why settle here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every task is a piece of the grand scheme.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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