But the status symbol has endured in Britain, a country that cherishes tradition and heritage.

Grant Harrold, former royal butler to Prince Charles and a co-founder of The Royal School of Butlers, explained that the government’s job description was broadly in line with the requirements of a 21st-century butler.

“If you watch ‘Downton Abbey,’ we like to think a butler wears a white tie, stands behind tables and chairs, looking the part,” Mr. Harrold said, referring to the hit television series. “The reality of a modern-day butler is that it is evolving into this hospitality role.”

But he wondered whether the government had knowingly played on British stereotypes in naming the role.

“The government is not asking for ‘house managers,’ but ‘butlers’ because it is a very British thing,” he said. “The government is saying: ‘We want to have our own British butler.’ It is a bit of a show.”

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hub of Britain’s diplomacy and international relations, limiting applicants to British citizens follows the rules of the department as a whole. The position’s responsibilities include managing stock and items worth as much as £3 million, as well as ensuring the smooth running of food and drink service for events with as many as 350 guests.