Lord Chamberlain

The Lord Chamberlain or Lord Chamberlain of the Household is one of the chief officers of the Royal Household in the United Kingdom, and is to be distinguished from the Lord Great Chamberlain, one of the great offices of state.

Related Topics:
Royal Household - United Kingdom - Lord Great Chamberlain - Great offices of state

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Lord Chamberlain is always a peer and a privy councillor, and before 1782 was of cabinet rank. Until 1924 the position was a political one. The Lord Chamberlain is the chief functionary of the court, and is generally responsible for organizing all court functions. Until recently, the Lord Chamberlain also had the role of licenser of plays in the City of London, Westminster, and certain other areas. This role made the Lord Chamberlain effectively the official censor of theatrical performances, though the responsibility was in practice delegated to the Lord Chamberlain's Office. This duty was abolished under the Theatres Act of 1968.

Related Topics:
Peer - Privy councillor - 1782 - Cabinet - 1924 - City of London - Westminster - Lord Chamberlain's Office - 1968

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Although the senior officer of the Royal Household on a daily basis is the Private Secretary to the Sovereign, the Lord Chamberlain exercises a major co-ordination role. The post is normally part-time, though in recent times Lord Maclean served full-time.

Related Topics:
Royal Household - Private Secretary to the Sovereign - Lord Maclean

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~