John Whiting first entered the Royal Household during the reign of George III. He was appointed Page of the Back Stairs in 1821, his service continuing under King George IV, King William IV and Queen Victoria. After suffering a stroke in July 1859 he was obliged to resign. The Queen kept herself informed of his progress and was able to see him a few days before he died in April 1863. Mr Whiting and his family lived for some years in the cottage near the Fishing Temple at Virginia Water.