Royal Repair Shop! King Charles seeks ‘craftsperson’ to help maintain historic Sandringham Estate
King Charles III is looking for a craftsman who can maintain his historic private residence Sandringham House to the highest standards.
According to a job posting on the Norfolk estate’s website, the 74-year-old royal – who appeared on a special episode of The Repair Shop last year – is looking for someone more qualified than the average handyman.
The successful applicant would be required to demonstrate ‘demonstrated skill and experience’ in the traditional maintenance, conservation and sympathetic repair of buildings.
The ‘craftsman’ will be a professional member of a wider team and will have to ‘strive to preserve this historic and prized residence for present and future generations of the monarchy’.
No salary is stated, but ‘a generous package is offered, including a competitive salary and pension’.
King Charles III (pictured in May) is looking for a craftsman to maintain his historic private residence Sandringham House to the highest standards
The job description seeks someone with “detailed, working knowledge of the construction and maintenance of historic buildings,” who has experience painting and decorating historic surfaces.
They would also require a background in ‘repair and installation of decorative wall coverings’ as well as ‘gliding, drag painting’ and other traditional practices.
Knowledge of what it is like to be part of a maintenance team, working with subcontractors and relevant legislation is also desirable.
The craftsman is expected to work on the 20,459-acre royal estate at Sandringham that the King inherited on the death of his mother the Queen on September 8 last year.
The application must be submitted before October 1.
The estate of farms, forestry and leasehold properties has been privately owned by the Royal Family since it was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1862 as a residence for the then Prince Albert.
The King took over management of the estate in 2019, after his late father Prince Philip retired from public life, and has since made it completely organic.
It comes on the heels of reports that the monarch plans to cut an estimated one in five of his middle management staff to boost the efficiency of the royal family, according to The Mail on Sunday.
According to a job posting on the estate’s website, the royal family, 74, is looking for someone more qualified than the average handyman.
The estate of farms, forestry and leasehold properties has been privately owned by the Royal Family since it was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1862 as a residence for the then Prince Albert.
Charles and Camilla are said to be appalled at what they believe is too many staff performing similar duties.
Nearly a year into his reign, the king is also tired of senior courtiers saying to him, “But that’s how the queen did it.”
The cuts will affect Buckingham Palace, Sandringham, Windsor Castle and Balmoral – which collectively employ hundreds of people – and are part of the King’s long-held ambition to streamline and modernize the monarchy. Dozens of employees could be affected.
For years, a leaner monarchy with fewer working Royals – possibly seven instead of eleven – has been a priority. But the King realizes that this entails a reduction in personnel. He is said to be well aware of the financial burden a large household places on the taxpayer.
“There is a real feeling that the staffing at all palaces is too heavy,” said an insider. “There are way too many assistants for assistants. The king and queen would prefer to pay the people a decent wage from top to bottom, but have fewer people.
“For example, there are chefs for them and chefs for the staff. Why, they wonder, can’t there be the same number of kitchen staff for everyone?’
Charles and Camilla (pictured in June) are said to be appalled at what they believe is too many staff performing similar duties
Camilla has made it clear that “a leveling of the royal staff” is needed. She will play a key role in monitoring any changes. “Her Majesty cannot stand too many people doing the same job. Senior housekeeper, executive housekeepers and juniors,” said a source.
She has raised the matter with the Master of the Household, Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt.
Last month, the king was welcomed to Balmoral by a guard of honor for the first time since he came to the throne as he took up residence there for his summer holiday.
Although it was his mother’s favorite place to live, it doesn’t find the same favor with Camilla. The Mail on Sunday has been told she has deliberately chosen to stay in nearby Birkhall, the house she shared with Charles in Scotland for many years, because she can’t stand the ‘flummery’ of Balmoral.
A source said: ‘She dives in and out while the King is staying at Balmoral. She resides in Birkhall, where she has a limited number of loyal employees: her people.’