THE QUEEN’S HOUSEKEEPER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2716, 22 January 1910, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE QUEEN’S HOUSEKEEPER.

SOAIE OF HER DUTIES. The responsible post of head housekeeper at Buckingham Palace is held by Mrs. Rosalie Dodds, who is one of the most trusted servants of the King and Queen. Her duties, says a writer m “A1.A.P.,” are of an- extremely responsible character, and the position she holds could only be occupied by one who had been in the Royal household for some time, and who was thoroughly well versed in the routine work of the housekeeper’s department. Airs. Dodds was housekeeper at Alarlborougli House, and after the King’s accession to the throne was appointed to the post- she now so able fills. The entire staff of women servants at Buekingliom Palace are under her control and supervision, and it goes without saying that Airs. JJodds is a firstrate disciplinarian. WHAT THE PRINCESS AVOULD LIKE. Airs. Dodds is frequently able to supplement- the instructions she receives in i;ncli matters. For example, on one occasion when a certain Royal Princess was coming to Buckingham Palace, Queen Alexandra, on going to inspect- the rooms that had been prepared for the reception of her Royal Highness, was ratliep surprised to see a powerful telescope placed next to a comfortable cllftir by the window. “What a very curious object- that is to- put into the Princess’ room,” said the Queen to Airs. Dodds. “Did you receive any special orders to do so?” “No, your Alajesty,” replied the Housekeeper, “hut her Royal Highness the' last time she was here told me the way she would like to see London would be to sit- by that window and look over the citv with a good telescope, so I thought it- would be a good thing to putone in the room this time.” The head housekeeper’s department is under th© control of the Lord Chamberlain. and it is from that official’s department that Airs. Dodd’s instructions reach her in thet ordinary way, hut the Queen often gives instructions to the head housekeeper personally on special occasions, such as the coming of any royal visitor. •ROYAL SERVANT’ “OUTINGS.” Dismissal from the royal service is a thing practically unheard of, hut from time to time marriage creates a vacancy in the staff of maids employed in that royal household. Their Alajesties invariably make the girl a wedding present, and very often find the couple good employment on the royal estates. ' Every afternoon a certain number of tho maids at the Palace are released from duty between three and six o’clock and a comfortable sitting room is provided for them, where they can read, write, or do their own work. Should a maid, however, desire to go out. she can do so on obtaining} permission.': , The head housekeeper lias, in. accordance with "the Queen’s desire, put the “outings” of the maidservants ‘ on a very systematic footing. Every maid is allowed out on© day every week from 7 to 9.45. She must he scrupulously ounctual in observing these hours, and report herself to the housekeeper on her return. Everv maid is also allowed out two days in every month from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and- gets a fortnight’s holiday every year. ,