Chamberlain, an officer appointed by a king or nobleman, or by a corporation, to perform domestic and ceremonial duties. The LORD CHAMBERLAIN has been one of the principal officers of state from at least the 13th century, and in 1406 parliament declared that he should always be a member of the council ex officio. Though he has long ceased to have any share in the responsibilities of government, the Chamberlain is still an officer of very high standing in the royal household. He has control over all the officers and servants 'above stairs,' except those of the bedchamber, over the establishment attached to the Chapel Royal, the physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries of the household. The chamberlain has further the oversight of the royal musicians, comedians, trumpeters, messengers, &c. 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 theatres in towns in which a royal palace is situated require to be licensed by the Lord Chamberlain, and no new play can be performed anywhere without his license. His duties as licenser of theatres and plays are defined by acts passed in 1751 and 1843 (see PLAYS, LICENSING OF). All persons desiring to be presented at levees or drawing-rooms require to send their cards to the Lord Chamberlain, and it is his duty to see that the persons thus applying are entitled by station and character to be presented to the sovereign. The Chamberlain also issues invitations to royal balls, parties, and receptions. In accordance with ancient custom the Lord Chamberlain is still a member of the Privy-council. His salary is £2000 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 Chamberlain, 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.