A
Page of the Presence is a
courtier of the
British Royal Household who acts as a personal attendant to Royal visitors. During events at
Buckingham Palace (such as receptions,
state visits, garden parties or
investitures), they are positioned at the Grand Entrance and supervise the arrival of guests and
heads of state. They also man the Privy Purse door where members of the
British government are received and the daily
red boxes are received and dispatched. Other duties include looking after the palace's visitors' book and they are also responsible for the service of meals to the
Royal Family.
The origin of the courtiers' name derives from the Presence Chamber, which is where kings and queens of the past would dine in state, receive visitors and hold meetings of the Privy Council. As of 2007, there are three Pages of the Presence.
See also