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Here's What Happened To The Queen's Staff After She Died

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News and Commentary

Overview

The video explores what happened to key members of Queen Elizabeth II’s royal household staff after her death, and how Charles III and Camilla are reshaping staffing and roles.

Lady Susan Hussey: racism accusations and departure

  • Role and proximity to Elizabeth II: Lady Susan Hussey served closely with Elizabeth II until the end. After Elizabeth’s death, she became a lady-in-waiting to Camilla.
  • Resignation amid allegations (November 2022): In November 2022, Hussey left the role amid racism allegations.
  • Accusation details: At a Camilla-hosted event, charity organizer Ngozi Fulani alleged Hussey:
    • Asked her repeatedly where she was “from”
    • Touched her hair without consent
  • Official response: A Kensington Palace representative told Sky News the comments were “unacceptable,” adding that racism has no place in society.
  • Outcome: Hussey resigned soon after the allegations became public.

Other royal household staff likely to remain (or change roles)

Paul Whybrew (“Tall Paul”), the longtime butler

  • Served for four decades and was described as especially close to the queen.
  • The video highlights his role in 1982, when he helped manage intruder Michael Fagan after a breach in the queen’s bedroom.
  • Whybrew accompanied Elizabeth during her last days at Balmoral and took part in her funeral procession.
  • The video suggests he likely moved on after Elizabeth’s death, though there is no official confirmation.

Angela Kelly, the dresser

  • A trusted royal dresser with a wardrobe responsibility dating back to 1994.
  • Reportedly received a grace-and-favor Windsor home and did not expect to lose it.
  • The video says her Instagram “farewell” shortly before Charles’ coronation surprised many:
    • She offered only a cryptic message
    • She did not fully explain why she was leaving

Dame Mary Morrison, Woman of the Bedchamber / lady-in-waiting

  • Began serving in 1960.
  • Accompanied the queen to events and recovered after a serious 2018 injury at Balmoral.
  • After Elizabeth’s death, Charles reportedly kept ladies-in-waiting in a rebranded role as “ladies of the household,” supporting Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Appointments and continuity in senior roles

Private secretary transition

  • Elizabeth II’s private secretary was Sir Edward Young, appointed in 2017.
  • The video states he will be replaced by Sir Clive Alderton, described as a trusted adviser to Charles and Camilla for nearly two decades.
  • Both are said to share the role temporarily to ease the transition.

Pipers and royal tradition

  • After the funeral, Pipe Major Paul Burns performed “Sleep Dearie Sleep” during the coffin lowering.
  • He is reportedly appointed Charles’ personal piper, due to Charles’ approval.
  • Burns is expected to wake the king each morning by playing outside his window.

Continuing household functions: food and ceremony

Head chef Mark Flanagan

  • Described as head chef since 2002, and continuing after Elizabeth’s death.
  • Honors mentioned include Elizabeth’s awarding him:
    • Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in 2021
  • The video also references his work around the coronation, including a BBC recipe for “Coronation Quiche.”
  • It notes prior experience with Raymond Blanc and catering for Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding.

Redundancy risk during the move from Clarence House

  • As Charles and Camilla prepare to move to Buckingham Palace, the video says about 100 employees may face redundancy.
  • Staff were reportedly told at the queen’s thanksgiving service that Clarence House-based roles supporting certain areas may no longer be needed.
  • Sir Clive Alderton delivered the message to Charles’ employees via letter, acknowledging it would be unsettling, while pointing to support that would be available.

Royal medical household expectations

  • The video notes:
    • Elizabeth lived to 96
    • Prince Philip lived to 99
  • Professor Sir Huw Thomas is highlighted as head of the medical household (2014–2022), with Elizabeth honoring him via a knighthood in 2021.
  • The video concludes that medical roles typically change with a monarch, and that Charles likely has his own physician.

Presenters / Contributors (as named in the subtitles)

Lady Susan Hussey; Ngozi Fulani; Paul Whybrew; Angela Kelly; Sir Edward Young; Sir Christopher Geidt; Sir Clive Alderton; Paul Burns; Pipe Major Scott Methven; Dame Mary Morrison; Mark Flanagan; Sir Huw Thomas; Raymond Blanc; Prince Harry; Meghan Markle; Charles III; Camilla; Elizabeth II; Prince Philip.

Original video