The Royal Household
The Royal Household provides services in cleaning, textile care, flower arrangements, food preparation, serving, canteen operations, chamber services, and other tasks of service.
The department is responsible for the daily operations of the Royal Palace and Skaugum (the residence of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess) – as well as the other royal estates when the Royal Family stays there. The Household also assists the Royal House during large events hosted by the King and Queen or the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
The department also assists Her Highness Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, in connection with her official duties.
The department is divided into the Kitchen section, the Steward Section and Housekeeping Section. The private staff of the King and Queen, as well as the staff at Skaugum, are also affiliated with the Royal Household.
The Royal Household contributes to a healthy economy through effective work planning, efficient use of raw materials, procurement, and collaboration. Support for the Court's environmental initiatives is an integral part of everyday operations.
The Household is the largest department at the Royal Court. The department receives assistance from on-call staff and other employees of the Court during larger events. The Royal Household is comprised of five sections, each primarily staffed by professionals trained in various trades. These sections handle the representation of the Royal House and other official and private duties. The department also assists Her Highness Princess Astrid in connection with her official duties.
The Kitchen Section
The Kitchen Section is responsible for preparing food for the King and Queen's and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's official and private activities. The section also operates the Palace's canteen and prepares meeting room catering. The Palace kitchen emphasizes Norwegian culinary traditions and local ingredients, using, among other things, vegetables from the kitchen garden at Bygdø Royal Farm. Quality, innovation, and traditions are the hallmarks of the production. An apprentice in culinary arts is also affiliated with the section.
The Steward Section
The Steward Section is responsible for food and beverage service at receptions, lunches, and dinners at the Palace, Skaugum, and other royal estates. The section provides service functions at the royal offices, during meetings and audiences, and is responsible for the Palace's wine cellar and silver chamber. The section is also responsible for His Majesty the King's chamber service.
The Housekeeping Section
The main task of the Housekeeping Section is to maintain order at the royal estates. The section performs extensive cleaning, and the large number of old and valuable items on the estates requires high expertise in antique cleaning.
The section prepares for, carries out, and cleans up after both small and large events, ranging from simple meetings to gala dinners and state visits. Staff assist with making beds, setting and decorating tables, and staffing the wardrobe.
The florists are responsible for decorating the tables and reception rooms with flowers in connection with banquets, official luncheons and other larger functions.
The private staffs
The private staffs of the The King and Queen and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess assist with the arrangement of official and private needs and tasks. This includes managing the private estates, program coordination, secretarial services, chamber service, sewing, and wardrobe management.
The Royal Household is led by Mr Lars Christian Krog.