The Comptroller of the Household is an ancient position in the British royal household, nominally the second-ranking member of the Lord Steward's department after the Treasurer of the Household. The Comptroller was an ex officio member of the Board of Green Cloth, until that body was abolished in the reform of local government licensing in 2004. In recent times, a senior government whip has invariably occupied the office. On state occasions the Comptroller carries a white staff of office, as often seen in portraits.

The Lord Steward or Lord Steward of the Household is an official of the Royal Household in England. Holders of the office are always peers, until 1924, were always members of the Government, and until 1782, the office was one of considerable political importance and carried Cabinet rank.