William and Kate seek housekeeper who can 'exercise discretion', how much salary does the coveted royal job offer?
Prince William and Kate Middleton are looking for a housekeeper who can "exercise discretion" while working at the Kensington Palace. They put up an advertisement with all the required qualifications for potential candidates on the royal vacancies’ website.
According to the advertisement, the applicant in question should be able to take on the role of a senior housekeeper if necessary. The flexibility to travel has been listed as one of the job's pre-conditions, although the individual will be required mainly to be based at the royal couple’s West London residence. Applicants for the position were also required to maintain flexible work hours and be willing to take on various workloads and be eager to show initiative.
The advert read: “We wish to appoint an experienced person to assist in Royal residences. You will support the management of all housekeeping operations and pro-actively deputize for the Senior Housekeeper, being accountable in their absence. You will have an organized approach and take pride in what you do. You will be able to manage a varied workload, show initiative, be content to work flexibly, including being able to travel. Maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion at all times is paramount. This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and positive team. You will be a self-starter who also enjoys working collaboratively. You will be keen to take on new challenges as these arise and develop your own knowledge and skills.”
The deadline for the job offer is November 7 at 11.55 pm and the vacancy closes when the advertisement is no longer active on the site. The applicant who manages to fulfill all the requirements and is successful in bagging the job will join the Cambridges’ workforce, a group that includes Maria Borrallo, a live-in Norland nanny, who looks after the three children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The salary for the coveted job starts at £19,140 ($24,934) and the successful candidate will be offered the chance to 'live-in' at the palace, with all meals and travel expenses provided, according to the Mirror.
Borrallo was born in Madrid and educated at Norland College in Bath, which is one of the most prestigious institutions when it comes to nanny training. Norland expert and 'Nanny in a Book' author, Louise Heren, has often touted Bordallo as being one of the best nannies in the country. “There will be no messing," she said. "That’s because Maria will be aware that as they step off planes, holding mum’s hands, smiling and waving to the crowds, there can’t be any crying or terrible twos or tantrums. There will be lots and lots of outdoor play, that’s the one thing you could say Norland is old-fashioned about. Loads of fresh air. Lots of bike rides, playing with their dogs, potentially some gardening."
She added: “Norland is very into teaching children through play. Yes, you are getting mucky with your hands in the soil but you are learning how to plant. If it is tipping it down, they will still go out. Wet weather is just inappropriate clothing, you have to put the right stuff on. It doesn’t have to be strict. Just because Norland Nannies wear the brown uniform, they look quite old-fashioned, that doesn’t mean their message is old-fashioned. It’s no-nonsense.”