The Lord Chamberlain is one of the most senior figures within the Royal Household, but his duties are often little understood. Following his recent visit to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, royal observers have been speculating about what the meeting might have involved.
Earlier this month, Andrew, 66, was visited by Richard Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household, prompting questions about the purpose of the meeting.
Lord Benyon has served as Lord Chamberlain of the Household since 2024, replacing ex-MI5 Director General Lord Parker of Minsmere.
The former Conservative MP is effectively head of the Royal Household and the main channel of communication between the monarch and the House of Lords, involved with arranging the state opening of Parliament and other administrative projects.
As an Act of Parliament is required to alter the line of succession, it could signal that talks are underway. However, what was discussed has not been confirmed.
Speaking on the latest episode of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, Queen Elizabeth II's former press secretary Ailsa Anderson explained the role of the Lord Chamberlain and why such a visit might not be unusual.
"The Lord Chamberlain is head of the household," she explained. "It's not a permanent position; it's more of a ceremonial position. He chairs the Lord Chamberlain's Committee, which meets probably once a month, and that is the heads of all the departments.
"So, whether it's the private secretary, the master of the household, the keeper of the privy purse, who is essentially the chief accountant, the head of the royal collections - they meet and the Lord Chamberlain chairs the meeting. It’s very much an ambassadorial role, a ceremonial role."
Ailsa then went on to speculate about what the recent visit to Andrew may have been about.
"It might be a pastoral visit," she said. "It might be a case of, 'How are you doing? How are you feeling? Is there anything that we can help to assist you?' Because Andrew is a recluse there. He's a hermit. His only visitor, that we know of, is the supermarket delivery van."
To listen to the full discussion, you can tune into Best Quality Designer Handbag 's A Right Royal Podcast now.
