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Papers in a ‘red box’

One of The Queen’s red boxes containing official papers is prepared
© Buckingham Palace Press Office

THE PRIVATE SECRETARY’S OFFICE

The Private Secretary’s Office is responsible for supporting The Queen in her duties as Head of State.

The Private Secretary is the channel of communication between the Head of State and the Government, not only in the United Kingdom but also in the 15 other realms of which The Queen is Sovereign.

The Private Secretary informs and advises The Queen on constitutional, governmental and political matters in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

He or she liaises with the Armed Forces, the Church and the many organisations of which The Queen is patron.

Other responsibilities include organising The Queen’s official programme at home and overseas; liaising with the Households of other members of the Royal Family; and dealing with The Queen’s official correspondence and correspondence with members of the public.

The Private Secretary prepares The Queen’s speeches and messages, and his office arranges photographs and official presents, portraits and messages of congratulation.

The Private Secretary organises and co-ordinates Royal travel through the Royal Travel Office, which is administered by the Director of Royal Travel.

The Private Secretary is also the Keeper of the Royal Archives, which are responsible for filing and cataloguing the personal and official correspondence of former Sovereigns. The earliest papers date back to 1760.

The position of Private Secretary dates from the late nineteenth century, although George III and his two successors each had a private secretary for particular reasons. The Private Secretary currently has a Deputy Private Secretary and an Assistant Private Secretary. There is always one Private Secretary on duty wherever The Queen is in residence.

The Co-ordination and Research Unit (CRU) within the Private Secretary’s Office researches and plans programmes for members of the Royal Family, ensuring that invitations are given due consideration, planning special ‘theme days’ for The Queen (such as the recent days centred on the UK design industry and emergency services) and ensuring that full coverage of the United Kingdom is achieved in engagements.

The Royal Household
	Royal Household departments Papers in a ‘red box’ One of The Queen’s red boxes containing official papers is prepared © Buckingham Palace Press Office THE PRIVATE SECRETARY’S OFFICE The Private Secretary’s Office is responsible for supporting The Queen in her duties as Head of State. The Private Secretary is the channel of communication between the Head of State and the Government, not only in the United Kingdom but also in the 15 other realms of which The Queen is Sovereign. The Private Secretary informs and advises The Queen on constitutional, governmental and political matters in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. He or she liaises with the Armed Forces, the Church and the many organisations of which The Queen is patron. Other responsibilities include organising The Queen’s official programme at home and overseas; liaising with the Households of other members of the Royal Family; and dealing with The Queen’s official correspondence and correspondence with members of the public. The Private Secretary prepares The Queen’s speeches and messages, and his office arranges photographs and official presents, portraits and messages of congratulation. The Private Secretary organises and co-ordinates Royal travel through the Royal Travel Office, which is administered by the Director of Royal Travel. The Private Secretary is also the Keeper of the Royal Archives, which are responsible for filing and cataloguing the personal and official correspondence of former Sovereigns. The earliest papers date back to 1760. The position of Private Secretary dates from the late nineteenth century, although George III and his two successors each had a private secretary for particular reasons. The Private Secretary currently has a Deputy Private Secretary and an Assistant Private Secretary. There is always one Private Secretary on duty wherever The Queen is in residence. The Co-ordination and Research Unit (CRU) within the Private Secretary’s Office researches and plans programmes for members of the Royal Family, ensuring that invitations are given due consideration, planning special ‘theme days’ for The Queen (such as the recent days centred on the UK design industry and emergency services) and ensuring that full coverage of the United Kingdom is achieved in engagements.
How the Monarchy works? Queen and State Queen and public Queen and Commonwealth Ceremony and symbol Royal finances	Did you know? The Private Secretary’s Office receives boxes containing official papers from the main Government departments and from the Commonwealth and realms, nearly every day of the year. Documents from these boxes are sent up to The Queen in the special red boxes in which she receives all her official papers. Buckingham Palace Press Office is also part of the Private Secretary’s Office. Dating from the reign of George III, the Press Office deals with press and broadcasting matters on behalf of The Queen and other members of the Royal Family. The Press Office also maintains the Royal web site and has a public information officer to handle information enquiries from the general public. Ladies-in-waiting and equerries are also members of the Private Secretary’s Office. Ladies-in-waiting are appointed personally by The Queen and other female members of the Royal Family to accompany them on public engagements. They often deal with the flowers, cards and presents which The Queen and other members of the Royal Family receive during their visits and walkabouts. They also deal with The Queen’s private correspondence and reply to letters from children. The Equerry to The Queen supports Her Majesty in her official duties and private life, as a member of a small team responsible for the detailed planning and execution of The Queen’s daily programme. The Equerry is seconded from the Armed Forces for three years, with each Service taking its turn. The Equerry wears uniform during The Queen’s daytime engagements when they are in personal attendance on The Queen. Next section Have you seen… Recruitment Information about working for the Royal Household Transport Royal planes, trains and automobiles