Former MI5 spy chief steps down as lord Chamberlain, citing historical precedent

King Charles is set to lose his most senior official, Lord Parker, who will be stepping down from his role as Lord Chamberlain later this year. Lord Parker, a former MI5 spy chief, will be departing following a little-known royal tradition that has been consistent for generations. Buckingham Palace explained that this move marks the completion of the “transition to a new household for the new reign.”

As part of the traditional protocol, Lord Parker recently played a key role in the late Queen’s funeral. During the committal service in St George’s Chapel, he symbolically “broke” his Wand of Office, signifying the end of his service to the Queen as sovereign. Lord Parker has been heading the King’s working household, ensuring the smooth operation of various departments, and overseeing the funeral arrangements for the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.

The announcement emphasized that Lord Parker will continue to support King Charles and Queen Consort in their service to the nation and beyond until his departure later this year. The position of Lord Chamberlain is a part-time role with a substantial annual salary of up to £140,000, which includes pension payments.

Lord Parker, also known as Baron Parker of Minsmere, served as the director-general of MI5 for seven years, hosting a visit by the Queen to the intelligence agency in 2020. His successor as Lord Chamberlain has yet to be announced.

The Lord Chamberlain, a role dating back to the Middle Ages, holds responsibilities such as overseeing senior appointments in the household, acting as a channel of communication between the sovereign and the House of Lords, and ensuring coordination between Buckingham Palace and other households. While the post was once political, it no longer involves participation in political activities since 1924.