Buckingham Palace advertises for a new housekeeping assistant to work for the Queen

Keeping it clean ... the housekeeping assistant will be working in proximity to members of the royal family and so must be able to "maintain confidentiality". Source: AFP

BUCKINGHAM Palace is advertising for a new housekeeping assistant, whose duties include running the royal baths and arranging serving the tea.

The successful applicant for the 14,400 pound ($27,300) a year post will be responsible for "high quality cleaning, presentation and guest care" at the Queen's official London residence.

Duties include "arranging dry cleaning, care of jewellery, running baths, assisting with dressing if required and arranging the service of tea and breakfast trays".

The ad on the Royal Household's website says the new employee will be working in proximity to members of the royal family and so must be able to "maintain confidentiality".

The job holder is responsible for the upkeep of the carpets, upholstery, antique furnishings, artworks, picture frames, mirrors and silver and brass items.

Applicants for the 40-hours-a-week job should be "meticulous with a close attention to detail" and willing to work away from London for around three months a year.

"Food and accommodation is provided, for which there will be a salary adjustment," the ad says.

The Royal Household's brief is to provide "exceptional advice and support" to the Queen, enabling her to serve Britain and its people.

It employs approximately 1200 staff from gardeners, to curators, cooks, secretaries and furniture planners.