In a groundbreaking move, King Charles III hired a person of color for a top role in the royal administration, marking a significant step towards diversity and inclusivity. This historic appointment of an individual from an ethnic minority as the Assistant Private Secretary is a first in the palace’s history and reflects a conscious effort to broaden the representation beyond the traditional “British white male parameters.”
The newly appointed civil servant, of Pakistani heritage, joins another recent recruit, Nathan Ross, who previously served in the New Zealand government. Dr. Ross will provide advice to the 74-year-old monarch on matters concerning the Commonwealth and sustainability. Both individuals will serve as the primary sources of counsel for the king, focusing on governmental, constitutional, and political affairs.
According to the job advertisement, the Assistant Private Secretary position required a candidate with a strong understanding of current affairs at both the national and international levels. The appointment aligns with the palace’s goal to increase diversity, with a target of reaching 14 percent representation by 2025, despite not having achieved the previous target of 10 percent.
An official working at the palace acknowledged the need for further progress, stating that they are actively working to ensure an inclusive culture. While they recognize that there is still work to be done, the palace remains committed to making strides towards greater diversity and inclusivity.
The recently published annual Sovereign Grant Report also revealed that 16.3 percent of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s staff come from ethnic minority backgrounds, indicating a growing trend towards increased representation within the royal household.
King Charles III’s decision to appoint a person of color to a senior role within the palace sends a powerful message of inclusivity and signifies the monarchy’s commitment to embracing diversity. This move is likely to inspire positive change and contribute to a more inclusive and representative royal administration.
