Poet Laureate
Poet Laureate: This position pretty much just writes verses for various ceremonial celebrations, but isn’t really expected to do much besides that. A form of the poet laureate has been around since 1616, but officially became a royal position in 1668. Although the position is currently an honorary one, Carol Ann Duffy has held it since 2009. She is the first female poet laureate, as well as the first Scot.
Master of the Queen’s Music
This cream of the crop position for a music composer primarily composes music and directs the court orchestra. If a royal wants a piece commissioned, the Master of the Queen’s Music is the person to ask. This position has been a fixed term of ten years since 2004, instead of being held until death as was previously was the case.
Keeper of the Lions
Apparently, it was (is?) quite common for monarchs to give each other exotic animals. And the great land of England was no different. The Sovereigns began receiving animals around the 11th century, which led them to have to find somewhere to store a bunch of lions and tigers, and potentially even bears. These creatures all had to be kept track of, fed, and managed, which was left to the Keeper.
