Everything we know about 'backstairs'

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backstairs

  • plural noun 1 stairs at the back or side of a building. 2 before another noun underhand; clandestine: backstairs deals.

A Page of the Backstairs is a senior courtier of the British Royal Household who personally attends to the Sovereign and/or spouse (presently Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh).

As of 2007, there are four Pages of the Backstairs.

Their duties include serving meals and tidying personal apartments. They also grant access to other members of the Household into the Queen and Prince Philip's private rooms and their office is situated near to the backstairs of Buckingham Palace and The Queen's lift.

See also

  • Page of Honour
  • Page of the Presence

backstairs Definition

back·stairs· (sterz′)

adjective

involving intrigue or scandal; secret

backstairs

noun:   a second staircase at the rear of a building
adjective:   secret and sly or sordid (Example: "Backstairs gossip")