MEMORANDUM
FROM THE
NATIONAL AUDIT
OFFICE
Mr Davidson asked about the role of the Military
Knights and the former occupations of pensioners provided with
accommodation on the Royal Estate.
MILITARY KNIGHTS
Background
The Military Knights of Windsor were formed
by King Edward III. Known as the Alms Knights, they formed part
of the College of St George which was created to support the establishment
of the Most Honourable and Noble Order of the Garter. 26 "Poor
Knights", mirroring the 26 Garter Knights, were given accommodation
in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle in exchange for daily prayer
in St George's Chapel on behalf of the Sovereign and the Garter
Knights. King Henry VIII reduced the number of Knights to 13,
and in accordance with his will, Queen Elizabeth I improved the
accommodation of the Knights so that they were housed individually
in the Lower Ward, with one of their number appointed as Governor.
The Knights are all retired Army Officers and
preference is given to applicants who are in needy circumstances
and are married. Military Knights must be appointed before the
age of 65. Apart from a small stipend, Military Knights are not
paid for their duties. Military Knights are accommodated free
of charge in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle in exchange for
duties carried out.
Role
The duties of the 13 Military Knights include
being on parade nearly every Sunday and during state visits at
Windsor Castle. The main event in the calendar is the Garter Ceremony
when the Military Knights head the procession through the Castle
precincts and into St George's Chapel, the spiritual home of the
Order of the Garter. Additionally, there are four "obits"
(Remembrances of College Benefactors) in the year, plus the occasional
military funeral and the laying up of a deceased Garter Knight's
Banner. Most of these duties are linked to St George's Chapel
and only very occasionally are the Knights on parade away from
Windsor.
POSITIONS FORMERLY
HELD BY
PENSIONERS ACCOMMODATED
ON THE
ESTATE, DETAILS
OF ACCOMMODATION
AND WHETHER
OR NOT
RENT IS
PAID AS
AT JULY
2008
| JULY 2008
|
| Position when employed | Reception
Rooms
|
Bedrooms | Rent Paid
Y/N
|
| Photocopy Operator (was Deputy Chauffeur)*
| 2 | 3 | Y |
| Liveried Porter | 1 | 2
| Y |
| Information Officer (was Head Warden)*
| 1 | 2 | Y |
| Travelling Yeoman (was Senior Footman)*
| 1 | 2 | Y |
| Chief Upholsterer | 1 | 2
| Y |
| Queen's Page | 1 | 3
| N |
| Widow of Carriage Cleaner | 1
| 2 | Y |
| Courier | 1 | 2
| Y |
| Widow of Royal Mews Groom | 1
| 2 | N |
| Royal Mews Groom | 1 | 2
| N |
| Security Officer, Royal Mews | 2
| 1 | Y |
| Girl Groom | 1 | 2
| N |
| Horse Box Driver | 1 | 2
| Y |
| Nanny | |
| |
| 1 | 2 |
N |
| Gardener | 1 | 1
| Y |
| Polisher/Gilder | 2 | 3
| Y |
| Gamekeeper | 2 | 3
| N |
| Widow of Gatekeeper | 2 |
2 | N |
| Stud Groom | 2 | 2
| N |
| Principal, Foundation of St Catherine |
| | |
| 2 | 3 |
N |
| Secretary to the Private Secretary | 1
| 3 | Y |
| Cousin of The Queen | |
| |
| 3 | 3 |
N |
| Administrative Officer | 1 |
3 | Y |
| Personnel Officer | 1 | 3
| Y |
| Palace Attendant | 1 | 1
| Y |
| Head Coachman | 1 | 2
| N |
| Widow of Stud Groom | 1 |
2 | N |
| Widow of Caretaker | 1 |
2 | N |
| Accountant, Privy Purse | 1
| 2 | N |
| Comptroller of Stores | 3 |
4 | Y |
| Press Secretary to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
| 3 | 5 | N |
| Assistant to the Master of the Household Branch
| 2 | 3 | Y |
| | |
|
| | |
|
| Not previously an official employee (ie provided with grace and favour accommodation)
| | | |
| * Text in brackets indicates other positions held during the course of employment
| | | |
| | |
|
| Total paying rent |
| | 17 |
| Total rent free | |
| 15 |
| Total pensioners in accommodation |
| | 32
|
23 January 2009
| | | |
| 
