Civil Household
The Civil Household is the collective name given to the non-military staff of the Royal Household.
The Civil Household is made up of various services, offices and advisers.
Grand Master
The Grand Master manages the day-to-day affairs of the Royal Household. He is also the Queen's first adviser and manages her visits abroad. The Office of the Master of Ceremonies coordinates important Court events and visits abroad, including state visits.
Mistress of the Robes
The Mistress of the Robes maintains social contacts on behalf of the Queen, for instance with heads of diplomatic missions and members of the International Court of Justice. She also accompanies the Queen on visits abroad.
Secretariats
Headed by: Principal Secretary
The secretariats perform secretarial duties for the Queen and the
other members of the Royal House and make the initial preparations
for events in the Netherlands. There are private secretaries for
the Queen, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima, and Princess
Margriet and Pieter van Vollenhoven. The other members of the Royal
House share a private secretariat. The Principal Secretary liaises
with the Government Information Service.
Treasury
Headed by: Treasurer
This department manages the finances of the Royal House. For more
information, see Finance.
Office of the Master of Ceremonies
Headed by: Master of Ceremonies
This office coordinates events in the Netherlands and abroad,
including state visits, as well as giving advice on matters of
ceremony and protocol.
Department of the Marshal of the Court
Headed by: Marshal of the Court
This department, which includes the royal footmen, provides
domestic services, organises receptions, and looks after guests of
the Royal House.
Office of the Comptroller of the Royal Palaces
Headed by: Comptroller
This office is in charge of the daily maintenance and management
of all royal residences. Its responsibilities include looking after
interior furnishings, gardens and internal security.
Royal Stables
Headed by: Crown Equerry
The Royal Stables is in charge of transport for the members of the
Royal House and the Court. For more information, see Royal
Stables.
Chamberlains
In principle, the Queen has a chamberlain for every province. South Holland has two chamberlains: one in Rotterdam and one in The Hague. The Queen also has a chamberlain in the capital, Amsterdam. They advise, accompany and represent the Queen in their district.
Ladies-in-waiting
Seven ladies-in-waiting advise and assist the Queen and other female members of the Royal House in preparing for events, and accompany them on these occasions.
Personnel Department
Headed by: Director of Personnel
The Personnel Department handles all matters regarding the legal
status of personnel employed by the Royal Household. Two in-house
welfare officers are on staff.
Royal Archives
Headed by: Director of the Royal Archives
The Royal Archives manages the archives of the House of
Orange-Nassau and of the Royal Household, the library and the
museum collection of the House of Orange-Nassau Historic
Collections Trust.
Chief Forester
The Chief Forester is in charge of the royal forests of Het Loo and the manager of Het Loo Crown Estate.
Honorary household
In addition to the working household, there is an honorary household. Former members of the household can be called upon to help with major events.
