Page of the Backstairs

The Page of the Backstairs is a head position within the Royal Households of the United Kingdom and is part of several groups of pages overseeing the male staff.[1] Originally "page of the backstairs" was used to describe a page of the bedchamber. During the reign of Queen Anne the page of the bedchamber was awarded by warrants of appointment. From 1760 the term describes a specific group of pages completely different to the pages of the bedchamber. After this period, six pages of the backstairs would be appointed by warrants of appointment as well.[2]

Paul Whybrew served as Page of the Backstairs to Elizabeth II for several years until her death in 2022,[3] while William Tallon held the position in the Household of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

References

  1. ^ Paul James; Peter Russell (1986). At Home with the Royal Family. Harper & Row. p. 202. ISBN 978-0-06-015697-8.
  2. ^ Officials of the Royal Household, 1660-1837: Department of the Lord Chamberlain and associated offices. University of London, Institute of Historical Research. 1997. p. 17. ISBN 978-1-871348-40-8.
  3. ^ "Footman who was The Queen's most loyal aide". Gazette. 19 September 2022. Retrieved 2023-01-09.