Comptroller of the Household

The Comptroller of the Household is an ancient position in the English royal household, currently the second-ranking member of the Lord Steward's department, and often a cabinet member. He was an ex officio member of the Board of Green Cloth, until that body was abolished in the reform of the local government licensing in 2004. The Comptroller had a white staff of office, usually seen in portraits–and so was a counterpart to Black Rod.

History

"Comptroller" is the archaic spelling of "controller", recorded since c.1500 (in a number of British titles, later also in the USA). The variant in spelling results from the contaminating influence (so-called popular etymology) of French compte "account".

In modern times, the Comptroller has become a less prominent position in British politics. He is one of the Government whips in the House of Commons, and his responsibilities for the Royal Household are now purely nominal, except being occasionally called upon to act as an usher at Royal Garden Parties. The current Comptroller of the Household is Alistair Carmichael.

Known incumbents

15th century

• 1461–?: Sir John Scott
• 1461-?: Sir John FoggeAllen, E.W. The Antiquary, Volume 3, 1873, pg 313.
• 1471-1475: Sir William Parr, 1st Baron Parr of KendalSir......
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