Buckingham Palace has announced a unique employment opportunity, seeking a new Kitchen Porter to join the Royal Household on a live-in basis. The position, which is advertised as a fixed-term contract running until June 2028, comes with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Job Details and Requirements
The Kitchen Porter role is a full-time position requiring up to 45 hours of work per week, with staff scheduled to work five days out of every seven. While based primarily at Buckingham Palace, the successful applicant will also have the opportunity to work across various Royal residences throughout the year, providing a dynamic and varied work environment.
No Experience Necessary
Remarkably, the Palace has specified that no prior experience is required for this position. The job advertisement emphasizes that full training will be provided on-site, though any experience in a similar role would be considered advantageous. The Royal Household is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate genuine pride in their work, thrive in team settings, and are eager to develop their skills within what they describe as an "exceptional team environment."
Responsibilities and Benefits
The Kitchen Porter will become part of what the Palace calls a "highly accomplished team" responsible for delivering food to the highest standards. Daily duties will include maintaining kitchen environments, cleaning equipment and surfaces, preparing refrigeration and utensils for use, and assisting with basic food preparation when required.
The benefits package is particularly generous, featuring live-in accommodation with all meals included as a significant perk. Employees will receive 25 days of annual leave initially, increasing to 30 days plus bank holidays based on length of service. Additional benefits include parental pay and leave options, volunteering days, and various wellness programs to support physical and mental wellbeing.
Additional Perks and Opportunities
Royal Household staff also enjoy exclusive discounts, including 20% off at Royal Collection Trust Shops and complimentary admission tickets to all Royal locations. The advertisement states that these benefits are designed to help employees "feel at our best" while delivering their best work.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications for the Kitchen Porter position close on Saturday, March 21, with the successful candidate expected to begin work in June 2026. Interested individuals must register and submit their details online through the official Royal Household recruitment portal to be considered for the position.
In addition to the Kitchen Porter role, the Royal Kitchen is also seeking a Pastry Chef with specialist experience. This position requires proficiency in all pastry sections including tarts, cakes, canapes, and afternoon teas, and will involve supporting the Head Pastry Chef in culinary operations.
The live-in aspect of the Kitchen Porter position represents a rare opportunity to reside within Royal grounds while working at one of the world's most famous palaces. With the application deadline rapidly approaching, prospective candidates are encouraged to act quickly to secure consideration for this unique royal employment opportunity.
