"The Unconventional Lives and Politics Surrounding King Charles III's Accession"

The British monarchy still maintains a plethora of archaic titles, brocaded uniforms, and feathered headgear, which are described as a "medieval mountain of absurdity" by former Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker. The royal household employs a range of unusual job titles, including piper to the sovereign, horological conservator, lord great chamberlain, fendersmith, and warden and marker of the swans. These roles are designed to ease the monarch's passage through life and surround them in an aura of mystique. However, many of these roles are now purely ceremonial and have no real function beyond adding to the pomp and pageantry of the monarchy.