CHANGES AT BALMORAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 November 1936, Page 9

CHANGES AT BALMORAL

HALF. THE FORMER STAFF z LONDON, September 28. Saying, ‘The best rooms must be kept for guests,” King Edward astonished the household staff of Balmoral Castle by selecting a small bedroom near the pantry and overlooking the poppy beds. This room was previously occupied by the senior servant. King George’s former bedroom had been prepared for King Edward's use, but on arrival at the castle, he decided that it should be left empty. This innovation is consistent with the King’s policy of refusing to adhere slavishly to tradition. He first showed this when he reorganised Buckingham Palace household, replacing old officials with younger men. King Edward soon had Balmoral plumbers and electricians at work fitting bells in the now bedroom and a bath in the adjoining room.

Formerly there were three canteens on the Balmoral estate —one in the stables, which sold beer only and two in the castle back premises. At the King’s order, two were closed. There, is now only one canteen, and it is situated in the stewards’ quarters.

Only 84 Royal household servants travelled to Balmoral —a little more than half of King George's usual staff. The chief reason for this economy is that King Edward has not brought tlife carriages and Royal greys. Hitherto there have been 40 grooms and coachmen attending the Balmoral stables, which now contain only a few ponies for the hills. Balmoral, like the other great northern estates, has its Highlanders working the estate. Hitherto, they lined Balmoral Avenue on the King’s arrival. King Edward has now given instructions that they are not to gather.