Regarding how much work they actually do, I may be able to share some insight. I’m absolutely not talking about knowledge of royalty, but a close family member held a ceremonial role for a period. It’s an honour to be asked to do it, and isn’t paid but did come with a large house, staff etc.
I’ve name changed for this.
Family member carried out two or three engagements a day, ranging from visits to schools, hosting overseas visitors, charity stuff, degree ceremonies and probably once every couple of years, receiving royal visitors. Sometimes these things happened in the house (public rooms downstairs) or at various other locations, often in other cities, abroad, or close. A chauffeur did the driving, and looked after the ceremonial gear.
From time to time I went with my family member, and attended the odd function. Remember there may be two or three of these things a day, sometimes late into the evening. Food and drink usually was plentiful, and lots of people and meet and greet.
Honestly it was exhausting, and most of the people who carry out the role are completely done with it after a year, have put on heaps of weight as they rarely get to eat healthily or have time to exercise. Most of the functions involved an element of swotting up on the background to the host or making a speech, which obviously requires prep. Oh, and thinking about what to wear and making sure clothes were presentable, appropriate etc. The hardest part for me (and I was only a consort type person) was making small talk with strangers and appearing interested.
After this experience I am amazed that HMQ has done it for so long. I don’t begrudge her at all the long periods spent in Scotland or wherever.
The role was a real privilege and honour and my family remember was pleased to do it, but was happy to hand over to someone else. I’m actually a Republican but I have a lot of respect for the work the royal family do. It really isn’t just turning up for the odd jolly.