Royal household recruiter Tracey Waterman has shared the quirky test used to identify the best candidates for jobs working for Prince William and Princess Catherine
Anyone hoping to secure a position working for Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, must pass a surprising test before they stand a chance of landing the role.
Job interviews are nerve-racking at the best of times, and standards within royal residences are, naturally, exacting. From the very precise manner in which King Charles takes his tea, to the appropriate attire expected of staff, there are numerous rules and strict protocols to adhere to when working for the royal household.
One peculiar test, however, helps identify the truly “special” candidates. According to the royal family’s head of staff recruitment, Tracey Waterman, an exceptional eye for detail is essential.
Speaking in Channel 5’s documentary Sandringham: The Royals at Christmas, Tracey revealed her rather unorthodox method for identifying the finest prospective employees.
She said: “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.”
Tracey then watches whether the candidate notices the dead insect and, crucially, how they react upon spotting it, which can significantly influence their prospects of securing the position.
She explained: “It’s a great test.” Yet only “one out of 10 [candidates] will actually bend down and pick [the fly] up.”
Those who do, however, truly make their mark. Tracey added: “That’s the special housekeeper.”
Of course, once employed, there are numerous other regulations to abide by.
For William and Kate, many of their guidelines are designed to “ensure informality and a good work atmosphere rather than adhering to rigid royal traditions.”
One policy the Waleses firmly uphold is a “zero tolerance” stance on gossip. They are also reported to favour a more relaxed dress code, particularly when staff are in the company of their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Valentine Low wrote in his book Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown: “The kids run around the office, and [William] does not want it to be stuffy.”
That said, more formal attire is expected during important meetings or when staff make visits to Buckingham Palace.
Princess Catherine married Prince William on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London, having been in a relationship since 2003.
Following their marriage, Catherine was given 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, Catherine 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. She tragically died in a car crash in August 1997, at the age of 36.
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