The Royal Family is looking to hire someone to assist with the palace horses - but the salary is less than the fillies' food budget. The newly-appointed 'liveried helper' will be employed to work under King Charles III at Buckingham Palace . But eager applicants might be stumped to learn how their salary measures up to the grass livery for the 30 horses living at the palace.
The role is advertised as having an annual salary of £29,900. But the Royal Family is presumably paying an even prettier penny to feed the animals . While prices vary, on average, it can cost up to £25 per week for grass livery for one horse, according to Equine World.
Meaning the Royal Mews - who are Cleveland Bays or Windsor Greys - could be eating £39,000 worth of grass every year. The annual sum is usually much higher if you want a more luxurious product, reaching into the thousands. As an example, a survey by BETA revealed owners spent on average £1,548 per year on grazing in 2023.
If this sum was applied to Buckingham Palace's steads, the food budget goes up to £46,440 per year. But there are a few perks to the job. The horses are fed and you will be, too - the permanent role includes paid-for meals and accommodation.
The new hire will work at the Lord Chamberlain's Office. They will be tasked at preparing the well-fed-fillies for ceremonial activities, as reported by What's The Jam. It will also be the helper's duty to maintain the stables, saddlery and harnesses to keep the Royal Mews in tip top condition.
The pension contribution is quite sizable at 15% as well. The Royal Household describes the job as: "It's feeling inspired to deliver to the highest standards, helping to present ceremonial activities that are enjoyed by millions. This is what makes working for the Royal Household exceptional.
"The Royal Mews is responsible for all road transportation for The King and Members of the Royal Family , including caring for and training carriage horses and maintaining carriages and coaches, and associated harness and livery. "By joining the team, you'll care for some of the most photographed horses in the world . Whilst the position is based at Buckingham Palace, frequent travel to Windsor Castle is expected and accommodation is provided at both locations.
The standards you'll aim for will provide the biggest challenge, and the greatest reward.".
