Aug 19, 2008, 11:10 GMT
Britain's Queen Elizabeth is set to employ fire safety officers at Windsor Castle.
The monarch is said to be concerned about plans to end night-time emergency cover at Windsor fire station and wants to employ a new set of around-the-clock fire surveillance staff to protect the castle - which was famously engulfed by fire 16 years ago -when the cut back comes into effect in 2009.
A source is quoted in Britain's The Daily Mail newspaper as saying: "The fire officers being advertised for at Windsor Castle work on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week shift - four days on, four days off. They work overnight, so someone is always on hand.
"They are not fire-fighters, but they are a measure to provide our own fire support. They are trained in fire-fighting, first aid and other safety duties. And, of course, they are on hand to help and assist the fire brigade if a fire supports."
After the fire in 1992, the castle underwent a £40 million restoration programme. The blaze destroyed much of the castle's interior, including artworks and the state apartments.
Sir Elton John, Wayne Sleep, Tony Benn and Sir Michael Parkinson are also said to be opposing the plans to alter shifts at the fire station. A petition boasting 1,200 names has even been sent to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Palace officials refused to discuss recruitment plans, but a spokesman said: "Like any company, we don't talk about individual members of staff. This is not a live-in position, but it is an overnight position."
Your Talkback on this Story