A butler speaks: how much they make, what it takes and the importance of making a perfect orange juice
Demand is outstripping supply for top-notch, well-trained butlers – male and female – who can take care of a multitude of tasks while maintaining the highest of standards
When you hear the word “butler”, what sort of character comes to mind? For many people it’s an impeccably attired, utterly loyal and discreet presence as portrayed by actors such as Anthony Hopkins as Stevens in The Remains of the Day, Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines in The Butler, or more recently, Jim Carter as Carson in the popular Downton Abbey TV series.
That perception, however, does not match today’s reality, according to the principal of the British Butler Institute, Gary Williams. He says that many women now work as butlers and are in particular demand to work on superyachts and private planes. Also, some Middle Eastern families prefer to employ women.
Speaking personally, though, I always think of butlers as men and – reassuringly – Williams embodies the traditional image, manner and style of a butler. Immaculately dressed in waistcoat and tails, he patiently answers my questions during a break in the training programme he conducts at the Taj Hotel in the heart of Westminster, London. He proves easy to talk to, and his ability to appear relaxed while also respectful and attentive is perhaps one of the hallmarks of a successful butler.
Worldwide, the British Butler Institute trains up to 2,000 people per year. It has a partnership with professional butler services company eButler in Hong Kong.
In terms of global demand, Williams says that “Butlering is a growth industry. In fact, demand outstrips supply. More and more people want good service and they want qualified people. Our students range in age from 25 to 55. We also get some older people who contact us and ask, ‘I’m in my 60s’ - is it too late to start?’ We always reply, ‘The older you get, the more you look like a butler’!”
Williams trained at the prestigious Ivor Spencer International School for Butlers in London. His highflying international career includes butlering at The Ritz London where he was responsible for overseeing all the luxury suites, including the royal suite, and attending to the requests and requirements of the VIP guests.