Wanted: A super servant for William, Kate to run household

London: Prince William and his wife Kate have advertised for a super servant expected to be a jack of all trades as the royal couple prepare to become parents for the first time. An internal advertisement at Buckingham Palace calls for someone: "To provide a high standard of housekeeping for TRH (their royal highnesses) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge".

The main duties included: "Ensuring all areas of the residence are cleaned and maintained to a high standard at all times. Caring for and maintaining personal clothing, cleaning silverware and glassware and in-house laundry." The all-singing, all-dancing servant will also be ready to run errands, prepare basic meals when required and care for and exercise dogs, the Daily Express reported.

A current valid UK driving licence is "essential". St James' Palace has consistently stressed that the couple prefer to keep their entourage as small as possible. The advertisement comes after the couple took on a new "Man Friday" at the end of last year. The young Fijian-born lance corporal from the 'Parachute Regiment' is the couple's first orderly, whose role includes chauffeuring, logistics, and even organising the Prince's wardrobe.

A royal insider said the advertisement has already attracted a great deal of interest: "Obviously the prestige of working for the world's most famous couple is an incentive". "But it is unheard of for one person to be asked to perform so many duties. Clearly the Duke and Duchess are going to get their money's worth out of whoever gets the job. About 15 people have already applied despite everyone wondering how anyone will be able to carry out all these duties in just 37 hours a week," the royal insider said.

"The advert states that they'll be required to work extra hours and you can bet your life they will. Most people employed as housekeepers expect to do a bit of cooking on the side, but walking dogs and driving too? And there's also going to be a baby to factor into the equation. It's unprecedented," the source added.

Applicants do not need to have previous relevant housekeeping experience but must demonstrate a "willingness to learn". As William and Kate are fiercely protective of their privacy, "discretion, loyalty and reliability are paramount", the advertisement said.