From 1940 to 1949, he was Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet.

The crucial work was done by the Clerk of the Privy Council in London.

William was appointed a Clerk of the Privy Council in 1779.

In 1880, he was appointed Clerk of the Privy Council.

From 1982 to 1985 he was the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet.

In 1923 he acquired the further position of Clerk of the Privy Council.

In England that role is performed by the Clerk of the Privy Council.

He became a Clerk of the Privy Council, briefly between these appointments.

The head of the office is the Clerk of the Privy Council.

On March 6, 2006, he became the 20th Clerk of the Privy Council.