Jobs of royal staff who provided personal services to Queen Elizabeth II could be affected as King Charles III weighs how to operate the royal machinery under his rule.
A letter has been sent to a number of employees saying that consultations will be held.
The letter from Michael Stevens, keeper of the Privy Purse, reads: “I am sure you can appreciate that these are sensitive and challenging times.”
The letter from Stevens read: “Work is under way to support staff and ensure there are good communications over the coming weeks.
“Consistent with continuity, the approach on accession is essentially that the requirements and the purpose of the household continue unchanged following demise.
“While it is too early to confirm the position definitively, it is anticipated that only a very small minority of employees (fewer than 20) who provided personal services to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, will see their posts affected by her majesty’s death.
“We will be consulting with you and those affected in relation to these anticipated changes after the state funeral. Those affected are being written to.”
Last week it was disclosed that up to 100 employees at the king’s former official residence, Clarence House, had been notified that they could lose their jobs.
Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents employees in the royal households, said staff had worked for the queen for a number of years and felt “let down” after receiving the letter.
“Our members are disappointed and saddened by this development,” he said.
Meetings are being conducted with those affected and staff are being told they can contact employee assistance providers in the coming weeks.
