WHAT CONNECTS THE BURG TO THE PROFESSION OF A BUTLER?
article of 20.01.2026
ENJOY THE SILENCE
The most important quality of a butler? Discretion and confidentiality. In their role as household manager, a butler has deep insight into their employer’s personal affairs, overseeing a lot – from everyday errands to supervising domestic staff to handling legal issues. Keeping matters quiet and under wraps is a hallmark of the job as well as a matter of honor.
UK VS. CHINA
Dinner for One and Downton Abbey have already given us the right impressions: The UK does indeed have the highest butler density. Meanwhile, the fastest-growing demand for discreet assistants is coming from China. Current estimates suggest that at least 10,000 VIP households are looking for one.
GOOD SCHOOLING
Which academy produces the best butlers? The world's leading institute is located – who would have guessed? – the UK and the British Butler Institute. The country considered the nextbest place is less obvious: South Africa. Students are well-trained at the South African Butler Academy.
HEY BOY, HEY GIRL
Yes, there are female butlers. While the profession is traditionally male-dominated, the number of female butlers is increasing; currently between 5 and 15 % worldwide.
HERE TO STAY?
The romantic notion of a butler committing a lifetime to the same family does not resonate today. Honesty and loyalty are key qualities, but they're only temporary. The rule of thumb among butlers is: After about three years, one should change jobs, otherwise risk becoming too personally involved.
CAVIAR AND HELICOPTERS
To do their job well, a butler must understand the lifestyle of their future employers. During training, a butler learns where to buy handmade shoes, how to eat caviar, and how to cut cigars. Learning how to drive a Rolls-Royce and fly a helicopter are also part of the school curriculum.
The most important quality of a butler? Discretion and confidentiality. In their role as household manager, a butler has deep insight into their employer’s personal affairs, overseeing a lot – from everyday errands to supervising domestic staff to handling legal issues. Keeping matters quiet and under wraps is a hallmark of the job as well as a matter of honor.
UK VS. CHINA
Dinner for One and Downton Abbey have already given us the right impressions: The UK does indeed have the highest butler density. Meanwhile, the fastest-growing demand for discreet assistants is coming from China. Current estimates suggest that at least 10,000 VIP households are looking for one.
GOOD SCHOOLING
Which academy produces the best butlers? The world's leading institute is located – who would have guessed? – the UK and the British Butler Institute. The country considered the nextbest place is less obvious: South Africa. Students are well-trained at the South African Butler Academy.
HEY BOY, HEY GIRL
Yes, there are female butlers. While the profession is traditionally male-dominated, the number of female butlers is increasing; currently between 5 and 15 % worldwide.
HERE TO STAY?
The romantic notion of a butler committing a lifetime to the same family does not resonate today. Honesty and loyalty are key qualities, but they're only temporary. The rule of thumb among butlers is: After about three years, one should change jobs, otherwise risk becoming too personally involved.
CAVIAR AND HELICOPTERS
To do their job well, a butler must understand the lifestyle of their future employers. During training, a butler learns where to buy handmade shoes, how to eat caviar, and how to cut cigars. Learning how to drive a Rolls-Royce and fly a helicopter are also part of the school curriculum.