Meet The King’s Watermen: A Centuries-old Royal Role That Could Become Extinct
When it comes to bizarre traditions, rules, and roles, the British royal family have more than their fair share. There are plenty of royal jobs that may sound pretty strange and outdated today, but still very much exist: the Warden of the Swans, the Grand Carver, the Piper to the Sovereign... No, these aren’t made up job titles! These actually exist, and one particularly interesting case are the Royal Watermen. What does this job entail? How do they serve the royals? Well, this unique position has a fascinating history, and it’s continually evolving.
What does the job entail?
Today, the Royal Watermen are called upon whenever the royals want to travel along London’s famous River Thames. Clad in eye-catching red uniforms and dark hats, they join their esteemed passengers — who can also include other heads of state — for the trips. And their responsibilities don’t end there, either: they’ve got tasks to fulfill away from the waves as well.
On-shore responsibilities
One of the most notable sees Royal Watermen jumping aboard royal carriages for jubilee celebrations and weddings, taking on “boxmen” roles. On top of that, they participate in coronations, too: specifically the procession. Most recently, they would’ve been seen trailing the King’s Bargemaster on the journey back to Buckingham Palace following King Charles III’s crowning in May 2023.
Ceremonial
If you’re thinking it sounds like an intriguing job, though, consider this: the original role of the Royal Watermen was a lot more interesting! It’s rightly considered a “ceremonial” position today. But still, that doesn’t mean that any old person can expect to land a position with them. The selection process is very specific in that respect, targeting certain folks with experience on the water.
The recruitment process
Yes, candidates are recruited from the Thames Watermen, who are responsible for operating barges and tugboats along the aforementioned river. Once they become Royal Watermen, they’re then handed a “Warrant of Appointment” and a tiny annual payment for the gig. How much? Well, the reported figure is said to be a little over $4. Hey, we did say it was small!
