Chaplain of HM Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace

About The Role And About You

About Us: Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world: the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle. Hampton Court Palace is one of the most iconic and famous buildings in the world. It welcomes in excess of 700k visitors each year and is home to approximately 300 staff, acting as headquarters to Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). The Chapel Royal is the spiritual heart of the Palace – a place of worship for visitors, staff and a regular congregation.

The Chapel Royal is part of the ecclesiastical household of His Majesty The King. Whilst the post-holder is a member of staff employed by HRP, the Chaplain also works to the Sub Dean of the Chapels Royal for all matters ecclesiastical.

About the role: Following the retirement of the current incumbent, we are looking for a dedicated Chaplain to lead and manage a busy team working to ensure the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court is a thriving place of worship and music.

You Will

• be experienced in leading, managing and developing a team of staff and volunteers and will hold responsibility for ensuring the Chapel is effectively run.
• be responsible for delivering a programme of regular worship and of special events, within the expected format of the Book of Common Prayer and the Authorised Version of the Bible.
• work with teams across Hampton Court to provide an exceptional visitor experience, ensuring the Chapel is a friendly and welcoming space for all.
• support the Music Director to promote and sustain the music and choral tradition of the Chapel Royal, working in partnership with the Choral Foundation.
• be an active Chaplain to the Palace community, including visitors, staff and residents, those of all faiths and none.
• work to grow the congregation so it thrives and survives, and to broaden the audiences that benefit from the Chapel and its music.
• ensure the appropriate and consistent use of the Chapel Royal with other Chapels under the King’s Household.
  
  

About you: You will be an ordained priest within the Church of England with at least 10 years experience of licenced ministry. You will be experienced in leading traditional services according to the Book of Common Prayer 1662 and in conducting choral liturgical services.

We are looking for an excellent leader and communicator who will work to ensure the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court remains a thriv

ing place of worship and music at the heart of the Palace.

You will be passionate about welcoming everyone, about broadening audiences and about making the Chapel and its music more accessible to all. You’ll also be excited about the opportunity to be part of the Historic Royal Palaces team, and to work with staff across the organisation to integrate the Chapel into the overall visitor experience.

You will be highly experienced in working with a complex range of stakeholders, demonstrating high emotional intelligence and the ability to effectively navigate wide ranging interests. You’ll also have strong experience in leading, motivating and developing a team of staff and volunteers

Please see the attached job profile and person specification for more details.

Benefits Include

• Generous Employers Pension Contributions
• Annual Pay reviews & Bonuses
• Critical Illness Cover & Life Assurance
• Family friendly policies and benefits
• Staff discounts and membership to all palaces
  
  

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. A DBS disclosure is required to enhanced level.

Closing date: 16th February 2026

Interviews: 2nd/3rd March 2026

If you have any difficulties with your application, please email recruitment@hrp.org.uk