Royal Family Is Looking For a Palace Housekeeper - Key Details Revealed

King Charles walks through the Topiary Garden with his walking stick (Cover Image Source: Instagram | @sandringhamestate)

Jan. 17 2026, Published 08:07 AM. ET

Having a stable job in today’s economy is a dream for many, and when it comes with an opportunity at a royal palace, it becomes even more appealing to job seekers. However, expectations tend to rise with royal roles, particularly when it comes to the pay, matching the institution’s famed extravagance. This time around, though, the palace appears unwilling to loosen its purse strings beyond what is necessary. So, how much is the palace offering for a housekeeping role in one of their estates?

King Charles tends to his gardens at Sandringham estate. (Image Source: CountryLife| Millie Pilkington) — King Charles tends to his gardens at Sandringham estate (Image Source: CountryLife | Millie Pilkington)

King Charles’ Palace of Holyroodhouse is currently seeking a suitable housekeeping assistant for the estate. The palace recently posted a public notice announcing the opening, and while the property remains one of the grandest royal residences in Scotland, the offered wage is only a notch above the UK minimum wage. As per government regulations, the minimum wage for housekeepers in the UK is currently set at £12.21 per hour, which approximates to $16.34 and is expected to rise to £13.45 from April 2026, which translates to approximately $17.15.

The housekeeper assistant role opening for the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers £12.60 an hour to an employee, if they pass the selection process, which amounts to $16.67 per hour. It is a part-time role, requiring one to work for around 20 hours a week, with flexible shift patterns from Monday to Sunday. The staff will need to clock in even on weekends and work four days out of seven a week.

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo By Phil Noble — King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, arrive at the Palace of Holyroodhouse ahead of his meeting with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on September 12, 2022, in Edinburgh, Scotland (Image Source: Getty Images | Phil Noble)

Coming to the work responsibilities, the staff will need to do the basics like cleaning, caring for historic interiors and furnishings, while also handling and caring for the valuable and delicate items present at the palace. Detailing more on the work role, the advert stated, as highlighted by The Scottish Sun, “It’s working as a team to achieve exceptional results. It’s being encouraged to gain new skills, and it’s delivering extraordinary service in incredible surroundings."

The advert also clarified that they are seeking 'passionate, conscientious, and detail-focused individuals to join our Housekeeping team.' The job role does not mandate previous requirements in the housekeeping or hospitality sector, but having one is an added advantage. “This is what makes a career with the Royal Household so different," emphasized the public advert note. However, they also clarified the non-negotiables for the job role, which include being organized, good at time management, and meeting deadlines without compromising on the work quality.

King Charles III in the Imperial State Crown at the Palace of Westminster in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Hannah McKay - WPA Pool) — King Charles III in the Imperial State Crown at the Palace of Westminster in London, England (Image Source: Getty Images | Hannah McKay - WPA Pool)

As of now, there are job openings for the role, one in a 12-month fixed-term contractual position and the other as a permanent role. Interested candidates are required to specify their contract preference while applying.