The ten-day period of mourning following the death of Elizabeth II is accompanied by a series prohibitions, cancellations, postponements. It is so prohibited to travel other than on foot within the perimeter of Buckingham Palace; the british cycling federation has ” recommended “ – before backpedaling – not to use a bicycle during the Queen’s funeral. Charles III, for his part, seems to have decided not to place in this list of temporary prohibitions one of his prerogatives as an employer: the ability to dismiss employees of the royal family.
The daily The Guardian reported on Tuesday September 13 that dozens of staff at Clarence House, Charles III’s former official residence in London, had received a letter on Monday from Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s chief adviser, announcing their potential dismissal, as Scotland paid their last respects to the Queen at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. A source told the Guardian that “everyone was absolutely livid” and that some were “visibly shaken” by this decision.
“Following last week’s accession to the throne, the operations of the household of the former Prince of Wales and the former Duchess of Cornwall have ceased and, as required by law, a consultation process begana Clarence House spokesperson confirmed to the BBC. Our staff have given long and loyal service and, although some layoffs are inevitable, we are working urgently to identify alternative roles for as many staff as possible. »
Private secretaries, the finance office, the communications team are among those who have received this notification. Some have been working there for decades. According to its activity report, Clarence House employed 101 full-time equivalents.
Buckingham Palace teams under threat
According to Times, employees of Clarence House are not the only ones threatened. A former aide, who does not wish to be named, said employees at Buckingham Palace knew that when the Queen died their professional status would change. He is pointing out that “every house [royale] has its own high-level advisers and they become superfluous when the sovereign is gone”.
Clarence House employees are not represented by a recognized union, notes the Guardian. But that didn’t stop the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) – a union most of whose members work in British government departments and other public bodies – from reacting. “Clarence House’s decision to announce layoffs in time of mourning is simply heartlessreacted in a press release Mark Serwotka, the general secretary of the PCS union. Sf changes were to be expected as roles evolve within the Royal Family, the scale and speed with which they have been announced is unforgiving in the extreme. “Especially since we don’t know what staff the future Prince of Wales and his family might need”added Mr. Serwotka, quoted by the BBC.
A procedure provided for in the employment contract
Grant Harrold, former butler to King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, told the BBC the announcement comes as no surprise: “When I entered [dans la maison du prince], I was fully aware that when the Queen died I would be fired because my boss would no longer be the Prince of Wales. »
On Twitter, a user who presents himself as a former member of the royal household posts a photo of his employment contract and the conditions under which it ends. It is written there: “All contracts end six months after the death of the sovereign, unless they are renewed by his successor. »
His was my contract when I joined the royal household and clearly shows what happens wrt staff on the death of the… https://t.co/p44UllCRs0
The BBC recalls that when the Queen Mother – Queen Elizabeth, mother of Elizabeth II, died in 2002 – and the Duke of Edinburgh – Elizabeth II’s husband, Philip, in April 2021 – their homes were been closed. Grant Harrold, who worked at Highgrove House, Charles’ country residence in Gloucestershire, nevertheless sounded optimistic to public television: “The good thing is that I know they will do everything possible to ensure that people are placed in positions where it is possible. »
In his letter, Sir Clive Alderton points out that some staff providing “direct, close and personal support and advice” to Charles and Camilla will remain in post. The dismissed personnel should be offered the possibility of seeking other employment in the other royal houses. They will also be offered severance pay “improved”. In addition, no final decision has been taken: the consultation period with the personnel concerned will begin after the funeral, which will take place on Monday, September 19.
Renowned for his “green” fiber, King Charles III will have to make an effort on social issues. Finally, there is no indication that Charles and Camilla intend to move to Buckingham Palace: the building is under construction and only certain parts are habitable.