CHAMBERLAIN, Lord, or King's C., as he was formerly called, has been one of the principal officers of state from very early times, and for centuries he was an influential member of the government. He has the function of indorsing the king's answer on petitions presented to him, and very often of communicating his majesty's pleasure to parliament and to the council. He was always a member of the council himself, ex officio. Though he has long ceased to have any share in the responsibilities of government, the C. is still an officer of very high standing in the royal household. He has control over all the officers and servants of the royel chambers, except those of the bedchamber, over the establishment attached to the chapel royal, the physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries of the household. The C. has further the oversight of the queen's musicians, comedians, trumpeters, messengers, etc.; and all tradesmen and artificers in her service are appointed by him. When the office of keeper of the great wardrobe was abolished in 1782, the duties of providing the state-robes of the royal family, the household, and officers of state, devolved on the lord chamberlain. All theaters in towns in which a
royal palace is situated, require to be licensed by the Lord C., and no new play can be performed anywhere without his license. All persons desiring to be presented at levees or drawing-rooms, require to send their cards to the Lord C., and it is his duty to see that the persons thus applying are entitled by station and character to be presented to the queen. The C. also issues her majesty's invitations to balls, parties, etc. In accordance with ancient custom, the Lord C. is still a member of the privy council. His salary is £2,000 a year, but his tenure of office depends on that of the political party to which he belongs.
The Vice-chamberlain is the deputy and assistant of the Lord C., and in his absence exercises the full authority which belongs to his principal. His office existed in the time of Richard II. He is also dependent on the administration, and is usually a member of the privy council. His salary is .924 per annum.