Sir Edward Young, also known as Baron Young of Old Windsor, has long been a fixture in the corridors of power in the United Kingdom. As a distinguished civil servant, he has held one of the most critical roles within the Royal Household, advising the monarchy at a time of significant transition. Young’s career exemplifies a unique blend of royal service, institutional leadership, and public duty, making him one of the most influential figures in modern British history—yet, he remains largely behind the scenes.
This article takes a closer look at Sir Edward Young’s career, his ascent within the Royal Household, and the ongoing role he plays in shaping British public life from the House of Lords.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Leadership
Born on October 24, 1966, Sir Edward Young’s early years were marked by a solid academic foundation. He was educated at Reading School, a prestigious secondary school in Berkshire, England. His time at Reading School, where he was a boarder, would have shaped his character and laid the groundwork for his future career in public service.
After his school years, Young went on to study further and gained a wealth of experience in various sectors before entering royal service. His career trajectory is a testament to the diverse skill set he would later bring to his role in the Royal Household.
Sir Edward Young A Corporate and Political Background
Before his entrance into the Royal Household, Young worked in the private sector, where he gained invaluable experience in banking, corporate communication, and politics. He started his career at Barclays Bank, where he worked for over a decade from 1985 to 1997. At Barclays, Young was involved in international trade finance and worked as part of the Corporate Bank European Currency Programme. This experience in banking and corporate finance provided Young with a keen understanding of international trade and the financial mechanisms that drive global commerce.
Young then transitioned into the world of public relations and corporate communications, becoming the Deputy Head of Corporate Public Relations at Barclays. This role allowed him to further hone his skills in managing public-facing communications and understanding the delicate balance of media relations, which would later prove useful in his royal role.
Entering the Royal Household: A Key Role in Service to the Crown
In 2004, after a successful career in corporate and political circles, Young was appointed as Assistant Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, marking the beginning of his long and influential service to the monarchy. His primary responsibilities in this role were to assist with the day-to-day operations of the Royal Household and manage various communications and events related to the Queen’s duties.
Young quickly demonstrated his skill in managing complex, high-profile events and his ability to handle the delicate intricacies of royal business. His success in this role led to his promotion to Deputy Private Secretary in 2007, where he continued to serve the monarchy during key moments, including major state visits and national events.
Sir Edward Young Private Secretary to the Sovereign: Leading the Royal Household
In 2017, Sir Edward Young was appointed as Private Secretary to the Sovereign, succeeding Sir Christopher Geidt. This is perhaps the most prominent role he held within the Royal Household, as the Private Secretary acts as the most senior civil servant to the Queen. In this capacity, Young was responsible for coordinating all matters relating to the Queen’s official engagements, managing the Royal Household’s internal operations, and acting as a key advisor to the monarch.
During his tenure, Young oversaw some of the most significant transitions in British history, including the Jubilee celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and various diplomatic initiatives. As Private Secretary, Young played an essential role in ensuring that the monarchy’s public image remained strong, cohesive, and aligned with the evolving needs of modern Britain.
His tenure also spanned the period of Queen Elizabeth II’s final years on the throne, requiring delicate management during a time of uncertainty. Young was involved in the planning and execution of the royal funeral arrangements after the Queen’s passing in September 2022, ensuring that the transition of the crown to King Charles III proceeded with the utmost dignity and respect.
Transition to the Reign of King Charles III
When King Charles III ascended the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Edward Young continued his pivotal role in royal service. In the wake of Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Young was appointed Joint Principal Private Secretary to King Charles III, working alongside another senior palace official. This position was crucial in maintaining continuity between the old and new reigns, ensuring that King Charles could smoothly take on the responsibilities of his new role.
During this period, Young was integral in guiding the royal household through the transition, managing both the practical aspects of royal engagements and the deeper diplomatic concerns that come with such a monumental shift in leadership.
Sir Edward Young Retirement from the Royal Household and Peerage
In 2023, after nearly two decades of service within the Royal Household, Young stepped down from his official role. On June 13, 2023, he was appointed Baron Young of Old Windsor and made a life peer. This peerage is a testament to Young’s long-standing service to the Crown and his significant contributions to the monarchy.
Shortly after being appointed, Young was introduced to the House of Lords as a crossbench peer, where he now plays a role in shaping public policy and engaging in national affairs. His unique experience in managing statecraft, international diplomacy, and royal duties places him in a position to influence discussions on governance, constitutional matters, and the monarchy’s future role.
Life After Royal Service: A Transition to Public and Private Life
Beyond his work in the House of Lords, Lord Young has also taken on roles in the private sector. He has become a Senior Adviser to Pictet & Cie, a prestigious Swiss private bank, and serves as Global Chairman of the Family Office Practice at the consultancy firm APCO Worldwide. These roles allow him to use his expertise in governance, diplomacy, and communications in a global context, further extending his influence beyond the walls of the monarchy.
In August 2023, he was also appointed Permanent Lord-in-Waiting to King Charles III, an honorary position that allows him to continue supporting the monarchy in a ceremonial capacity while remaining involved in royal events and engagements.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his career, Edward Young has received numerous honors and distinctions for his service to the Crown, including being appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) and a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). These honors reflect the trust placed in him by the monarchy and his critical role in ensuring the stability of the British royal institution.
Legacy and Impact
Sir Edward Young’s career is a remarkable example of quiet yet profound service to the British monarchy. Through his work, he has demonstrated the importance of institutional loyalty, discretion, and strategic foresight in maintaining the monarchy’s continuity and relevance in a rapidly changing world.
His career shows the significance of those who work behind the scenes to ensure that the machinery of statecraft continues to operate smoothly, even during periods of great transition. His role in the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III was vital in maintaining a sense of stability and continuity, ensuring that the monarchy remains a stable, enduring institution in the UK and the Commonwealth.
As he continues his work in the House of Lords and the private sector, Edward Young’s influence is likely to extend far beyond his time in royal service. His example highlights the vital contributions of individuals who serve in the shadows, shaping public life with dignity, intelligence, and integrity.