Prospective employees hoping to work for Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, must pass an unusual test involving a dead fly, according to the royal family's head of staff recruitment. Tracey Waterman revealed the quirky assessment in the Channel 5 documentary Sandringham: The Royals at Christmas, explaining that it helps identify candidates with a keen eye for detail.
The Dead Fly Test
Waterman described her distinctive approach: "One of the tests I like to do to see if a candidate has a potential eye for detail is to place a dead fly either in the fireplace or on the carpet. Once the dead fly is placed, I then bring the candidate into the room." She watches whether the applicant notices the dead insect and, if they do, their reaction significantly influences their chances of securing the job. According to Waterman, only "one out of 10 [candidates] will actually bend down and pick [the fly] up." Those who do stand out as "the special housekeeper."
Additional Staff Protocols
Once employed, staff must adhere to numerous guidelines. For William and Kate, many rules are designed to "ensure informality and a good work atmosphere rather than adhering to rigid royal traditions," as noted by Valentine Low in his book Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown. The couple enforces a "zero tolerance" policy on workplace gossip and prefers a relaxed dress code, especially when staff are around their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Low wrote: "The kids run around the office, and [William] does not want it to be stuffy." However, more formal attire is expected during important meetings or visits to Buckingham Palace.
Background on the Royal Couple
Kate Middleton married Prince William on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey in London, having been in a relationship since 2003. Following their marriage, Kate was granted the title Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, while William was created Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, and Baron Carrickfergus. On September 9, 2022, Kate was bestowed the title of Princess of Wales after William was appointed Prince of Wales by his father, King Charles III. Prince William's mother, Diana, held the previous title of Princess of Wales until her tragic death in a car crash in August 1997 at age 36.
