Legal Definitions - vice-chamberlain

Definition: A vice-chamberlain is a historical great officer who served under the lord chamberlain. In the absence of the lord chamberlain, the vice-chamberlain would take charge of the officers attached to the part of the royal household known as the "chamber."

Example: During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Christopher Hatton served as the lord chamberlain, and Sir Thomas Heneage was appointed as the vice-chamberlain. When Sir Christopher was away, Sir Thomas would oversee the chamber officers and ensure that everything ran smoothly.

Explanation: This example illustrates how the vice-chamberlain was a subordinate to the lord chamberlain and would take on their duties when they were absent. The vice-chamberlain was responsible for managing the chamber officers, who were in charge of the royal bedchamber and other private rooms used by the monarch.