ONE COULD be forgiven for overlooking the characteristically discreet job advertisement in the latest edition of the Lady magazine, but that would be a mistake.

The position in question is for “housekeeper” — one of many such vacancies in the magazine. In this case, however, it would put the successful applicant at the heart of the Royal family, in daily contact with two generations directly in line to the throne.

It can now be disclosed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are seeking a replacement for their former housekeeper, Amy Wood, 34, who unexpectedly resigned in February after less than five months at the couple’s 10bedroom Georgian home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

The advertisement for her replacement gives a glimpse of what life is like at Anmer Hall when the Duke and Duchess are in residence.

It reads: “Housekeeper sought for a large family home in Norfolk. We are looking for someone with previous housekeeping experience, ideally within a large private house, and preferably within a family environment with dogs.”

It continues: “Main duties will include: cleaning all

Anmer Hall: the Cambridges’ 10-bedroom Georgian home

areas of the house to a high standard; caring for and maintaining the home owners’ clothing; cleaning silverware and glassware; purchasing groceries and general provisions for the house; and dealing with deliveries. On occasions, the role will also involve the preparation of meals, assisting with childcare and caring for dogs.”

There is a hint that the employers in question are more than just run of the mill landed gentry.

“Discretion and loyalty is paramount,” it emphasises, adding “a current valid UK driving licence is essential”.

The Duchess is expecting her second child next month and in recent weeks her mother, Carole Middleton, has been a regular visitor to Anmer to help out with George, the couple’s first child, pictured.

A source said: “There is very little going on at all at Anmer. It is not a social hotbed. The Cambridges will be living secluded lives there, screened behind all those newly planted tall trees, with a battery of close protection officers on duty.”

The housekeeper’s job, for which applications close on April 5, comes with selfcontained accommodation suitable for a couple, and the successful applicant’s partner may also be offered “ad hoc maintenance work”.