ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) — At least nine Caribbean nationals working in the hospitality sector will have an opportunity to experience working in Buckingham Palace next year under a new initiative announced by Britain’s Prince Harry, who is now winding up a 15-day visit to the Caribbean.

Prince Harry, who is now in Barbados as part of a swing to nine Caribbean countries, announced nine new Royal Household Hospitality Scholarships, which will give professionals across the nine Caribbean territories he is visiting the opportunity to undergo training at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle for six weeks next year, culminating in Royal Ascot week in June 2017.

“Successful applicants for the scholarships will be attached to the Master of the Household’s Department in the planning and delivery of all entertaining hosted by the queen and senior members of the Royal Family,” he said.

Each scholar, Prince Harry said, will learn new techniques and will receive a certificate of completion from the Royal Household at the end of the six-week placement. They will all undertake a six-week project to advance their skills in their chosen area of expertise.

“This could range from learning complex chocolate and sugar craft, performing duties for Her Majesty’s guests at Windsor Castle during Royal Ascot week or shadowing the service team at official and private events during this busy period,” he told the audience here prior to his visit to Barbados.

Applications should be made to the governor general’s office in each country. Successful candidates will be provided with staff accommodation in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, as well as meals and travel. Flights will be provided by their home realm.

The Master of the Household’s Department looks after all planning and entertaining given by the queen, both official and private, in the United Kingdom and overseas. The department also provides support to the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal Family.

In addition to the hospitality scholarship initiative, the Master of the Household’s Department offers the equivalent of over 1100 days a year to students, trainees, charity representatives, and young professionals who come and experience first-hand the different hospitality disciplines and possibilities within the Royal Household.