Staff working at Windsor Castle are set to strike for the first time in over 900 years.
The 76 uniformed staff have voted in favour of industrial action, after disputes regarding their wages have arisen.
Wardens are reportedly paid as low as £7.85 ($A15.16) an hour or £9.15 ($A17.67) in London, and are also expected to give guided tours of the palace, despite not being paid any extra to do so.
“These loyal workers are the public face of Windsor Castle and with this vote their message to their employer is loud and clear,” said a spokesperson from the Public and Commercial Services Union, “Staff should be properly rewarded for their commitment to ensuring visitors from around the world can fully enjoy their time at the castle.”
A member of the union which represents the workers confirmed that the staff and wardens plan to begin their strike near the end of the month, a decision which could potentially have a “significant impact” on visitors, according to the PCSU.
But despite their protests, members of the strike say that their quarrel is with their employers, not the Queen.
“We’re all very loyal to the Queen and the royal family. We wouldn’t work here if we weren’t,” one commented, “We feel part of England’s heritage. Our gripe is with the managers who run the castle in their name and keep us on such low pay it’s almost impossible to have any decent standard of living. That’s why we’re taking action.”
Windsor Castle is one of the most popular locations for royal ceremonies and galas, such as the Easter Mass, the Order of the Garter ceremony and royal birthday parties, and is also the weekend home of the Queen.
