No one knows more about the Royal Family than their staff. They know which royal is most popular below stairs, who the Queen gives her cast-off clothes to, who has his shoelaces ironed, and what goes on behind a trick mirror at Buckingham Palace. Some 1,200 men and women work in a variety of posts across all five royal residences, including a fender mender, head coffee-room maid and a young man whose duties include replacing a sheet of black blotting paper on the Queen’s desk every day so no one could possibly read her handwriting by examining the pad.
One rather exclusive group was the crew (Royal Yachtsmen) of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Primarily Officers and Men of the Royal Navy there was also a small contingent of Royal Marines on board. The Royal Marines Band performed for Heads of State at State Dinners, Receptions, Garden Parties, Royal Weddings as well as Private Concerts for the Royal family and the Crew of the Royal Yacht. This brought everyone on board into close contact with both members of the Royal family and also that group of Little Terrorists of whom no-one could say anything bad – the Corgis. What you have to realize is that the Queen loves Corgis more than anything else. On her honeymoon she took Susan (her Corgi) with her and the corgis have travelled with her ever since. Over the years there have been many escapades with the Royal Corgis which began when the Queen Mother gave the Queen her first Corgi when she was seven. This was the start of everything and the beginning of what became two corgi camps – the lads from Clarence House (Queen Mothers Corgis) and the boys of Buck House (the Royal Favourites)! The Corgis have the run of the Royal apartments and many a time have been in attendance en-masse at state receptions and garden parties. Here they could often be seen displaying their herding instincts by nipping at the heels of some rather distinguished guests. Their diet is as good as the state dinners and the Corgi Menu is posted daily in the Royal Kitchens. The Queen is very much ‘hands on’ with the Corgis and when she puts on her head scarf they know – it is time for a walk! Royal duties aside, she walks them after lunch whenever she can and at 5.00pm prompt the Queen feeds the crew and mixes the food in their silver bowls with a silver spoon. There is always a silver tray with dog biscuits at her side for their daily treats. Discipline is the Queens domain alone, and woe betide anyone else who even attempts to tell them off! 
In this the Diamond Jubilee here are a few ‘behind the scene’ facts and royal idiosyncrasies collected during the reign of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II.
The Prince of Wales has never picked up his own clothes or undressed himself — he has three valets to take care of his clothes. If he has several engagements in one day, his valet places several ties in the car so he can change en route. He likes to wear the tie of the organisation or military establishment he is visiting. The record is five changes of tie in one day. A valet’s other duties include ironing the Prince’s shoelaces whenever his shoes are taken off.
Out of the closet
Regarded as the most warm and welcoming state room in the palace, the White Drawing Room (actually painted yellow) has a secret ante-chamber. In one corner of the drawing room is a large fixture containing a full-size mirror. During functions a footman is stationed alongside it and at a signal he presses a button and the entire fitment swings open to reveal the Royal Family, who have been waiting in the Royal Closet, a small drawing room hidden behind the mirror, having their own pre-function drinks!
Perks
Working in the Royal Household is not a highly salaried position — but it does come with a number of perks. Household staff can join seven sports and social clubs and use the Queen’s swimming pool at Buckingham Palace. The rule states that if a staff member is swimming and a royal appears they have to get out of the pool unless invited to stay. If a staff member arrives to swim and a royal is already swimming, they must not attempt to join them.
Our humble abode
Buckingham Palace, the most famous address in the world, has been referred to as ‘The House’ by royals ever since the Queen’s grandfather, George V, said: ‘Sandringham is my home, Buckingham Palace is just a house.’
Terrorists surround Police Dog
Returning from a visit to Canada the Queen was unaware that three of her dogs had just caused no little excitement.. London newspapers reported that the three corgis slipped away from royal aides waiting to greet the Queen at Heathrow Airport, hurtled across the grass and, growling and snarling, circled a German shepherd police dog. The small terrorists were recaptured before any blood was spilled.
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