Coordinating the annual calendar of your employer, as a private PA, is like conducting a symphonic performance. Beneath a seemingly charmed existence lies a skilled professional, adept at turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. The life of the PA is a delicate balancing act: managing the minutiae that transform events into unforgettable occasions. The Private PA navigates a diverse social tapestry, seamlessly blending logistics with luxury.
Join us as we peek behind the curtain and discover the nuances that make the life of a Private PA a whirlwind of excitement, elegance, enchantment …… and outstanding organisation!
MARCH
Cheltenham Festival (12 – 15 March):
- Event: One of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar, the Cheltenham Gold Cup attracts racing enthusiasts from all over the world.
- PA's Role: If the principal has a horse racing in the event, you might liaise with the trainer (perhaps Willie Mullins or Lucinda Russell), overseeing the horse’s training programme and tracking progress. Before the event, you would coordinate with the chauffeur, organise logistics and ensure tickets and passes were all in place for the principal and family.
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Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (30th March):
- Event: Traditional rowing race between the two prestigious universities.
- PA's Role: The principal might be meeting with friends from their old college to watch the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat race. Organise lunch for them beforehand at the Black Lion Rub and make a reservation for an early supper at the River Café following the race.
APRIL
Grand National, Aintree (11 – 13 April):
- Event: Famous horse racing event known for its challenging course over jumps including Becher’s Brook and Canal Turn, that has been running since the early 1800s.
- PA's Role: As the Founder of a start-up company, your principal may want to host some clients involved in one of his upcoming business ventures. Organise a helicopter to transport them to Merseyside and secure a Grandstand Box, where they can conduct their business in a prestigious setting while enjoying the action on the racecourse.
London Marathon (21 April):
- Event: World-renowned marathon attracting top athletes and enthusiasts from around the globe.
- PA's Role: A year in advance, organise the London Marathon ballot entry for your principal’s wife and do your best to secure her place. Get in touch with potential trainers and nutritionists 6 months in advance to prepare her for the run. Ahead of the race, set up a go-fund-me page to raise money for the charity of her choice, such as Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. On the day, ensure her husband is on hand at the finish line with plenty of drinks to ensure she is fully hydrated.
Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House (from 26th March to 28 June)
- Event: A night of Ballet at the Royal Opera House. Performed by the Royal Ballet Company to Tchaikovsky’s famous score and conducted by internationally acclaimed Koen Kessels and Martin Georgiev.
- PA’s Role: If ballet is one of your boss’ great passions, suggest to him that you book tickets. Remember to organise a glass of Veuve Clicquot for the intervals and dinner before the ballet at Jeremy King’s new Arlington Restaurant, previously Le Caprice, as this is the hot new restaurant in London.
MAY
RHS Chelsea Flower Show (21 – 25 May)
- Event: World’s premier flower show, showcasing cutting-edge garden design and breathtaking floral displays, attended by members of the British royal family.
- PA’s Role: Coordinate a special outing for your principal’s wife and three friends. Organise RHS membership so they can attend on Tuesday 21 May and avoid some of the crowds. Reserve a table at the scenic ‘Promenade at RHS Chelsea’ for them to indulge in a floral inspired afternoon tea by the award-winning team at the Dorchester.
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Hay Festival of Literature & Arts (23 May – 2 June):
- Event: Celebrated literature and arts festival featuring prominent authors and artists based in Hay-on-Wye.
- PA's Role: Prepare for the occasion by securing tickets in advance and ordering relevant books for your principal from Hatchards, written by authors taking part – Jeanette Winterson’s ‘Night Side of the River’ and ‘Long Island’ by Colm Tóbin. Create a schedule of lectures that your principal wishes to attend, including Rory Stewart, Dominic West, Sara Pascoe, Stephen Fry, Shami Chakrabarti, and Jools Holland. Remember to organise accommodation well in advance at The Green Dragon as it is in high demand.
JUNE
Royal Ascot (18 – 22 June):
- Event: World-renowned horse racing meeting attended by royalty.
- PA's Role: Organise membership and badges for the Royal Enclosure Box for your principal and his friends on the very popular ‘Ladies Day’. Send out invites and coordinate private box, catering, travel, badges and dress code information for guests. Book appointment for Principal’s wife with leading milliner, Philip Treacy 6 months in advance.
JULY
Wimbledon (1 – 14 July):
- Event: Grand Slam tennis tournament.
- PA's Role: Arrange a fun day out for your principal and his daughters to enjoy world class tennis. Secure prime Centre Court seats for the Wimbledon final and organise a delicious lunch featuring award-winning cuisine from chefs like Marcus Wareing.
Cowdray Gold Cup (21 July):
- Event: Elite polo tournament, Midhurst.
- PA's Role: Perhaps your principal has become bitten by the ‘polo bug’ and is a patron, fielding his own team. Organise 1:1 polo lessons for your principal to fine-tune his game play. Organise a private tent and top catering at the tournament and invite carefully chosen clients to attend.
Open Championship St Andrews, Scotland (14 - 21 July):
- Event: Prestigious golf championship held on the historic St Andrews links.
- PA's Role: Arrange a bespoke hospitality experience for your principal and his two sons. Organise their travel by plane and book rooms at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.
AUGUST
Cowes Week (27 July – 2 August):
- Event: Sailing regatta attracting sailing enthusiasts and socialites.
- PA's Role: Oversee the Cowes week entry process and ensure your principal has the Sailing Instructions when they are released two weeks prior to the Regatta. Organise evening drinks for the crew at the Lawn Bar as well as tickets to private Yacht Club events including the ‘Royal London Yacht Club Summer Ball’.
Glyndebourne Festival Opera (May - August):
- Event: Celebrated opera festival held at Glyndebourne, featuring world-class performances from Bizet’s Carmen to Mozart’s Die Zuberflote.
- PA's Role: Discuss and decide which events the principal would like to attend and organise tickets and a bespoke Fortnum and Mason picnic to enjoy in the interval.
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London Fashion Week (TBD):
- Event: Premier fashion event showcasing the latest trends and designs.
- PA's Role: Organise front-row seats at the Burberry show for the principal’s wife, ensuring she makes a stylish statement with a curated fashion week outfit.
SEPTEMBER
Goodwood Revival (6 – 8 Sept):
- Event: Vintage motorsports held in a beautiful setting.
- PA's Role: As vintage car buffs, your principal and family love attending Goodwood Revival to witness legendary vehicles and drivers in action, ranging from Aston Martins to Bentleys and Rolls Royce’s. Organise tickets and helicopter transportation to the Goodwood Circuit. In preparation for the event, source vintage costumes from Savvy Row well in advance, to ensure everyone embodies the timeless elegance and fun, synonymous with the Goodwood Experience.
OCTOBER
Frieze London (TBD):
- Event: Premier contemporary art fair attracting international galleries and collectors.
- PA's Role: If the principal is a collector of contemporary artists organise for him to be accompanied by an art consultant who can advise accordingly. Coincide this visit with an open-air theatre show and drinks in Regent’s Park Theatre nearby afterwards.
NOVEMBER
Rugby Autumn Internationals (November):
- Event: Top-tier rugby matches featuring international teams.
- PA's Role: Arrange tickets the principal and family. Organise a simple picnic for them to enjoy before the match.
DECEMBER
Winter Wonderland (TBD):
- Event: Festive extravaganza featuring ice skating, rides, and entertainment.
- PA's Role: Secure attendance to the star-studded opening night for the principal and his children - ensure their tickets avoid the long queues.
Knightsbridge Household Staff, offers a boutique, very personal service to our clients and candidates, and take pride in matching individuals and families with highly skilled Private PAs who can transform and improve their lives. We have been providing household staff for HNWIs, VIPs, Celebrities, Professionals and their Families for over 20 years.
If you are looking to hire a Private PA or Chief of Staff, Butler, Chauffeur, Chef, Nanny, Housekeeper - Knightsbridge Household Staff would love to help. Please contact our recruitment consultants on 020 7544 4949.
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