Well educated, discreet and highly versed in social etiquette, ladies in waiting have for centuries been intimately connected with courtly affairs, supporting their royal mistresses in all aspects of their public and private life.
In days gone by, as well as providing loyalty and trusted companionship, ladies in waiting performed deeply personal tasks such as putting on and removing the queen’s clothing – all those heavy garments and cumbersome layers! – and bathing her. They helped manage the queen’s vast wardrobe and jewellery collection, delivered messages, kept her amused… and, most importantly, kept her abreast of all the latest gossip and courtly intrigues!
While the role has changed considerably, these trusted ladies essentially act as personal royal aides, assisting in day-to-day activities such as running errands, dealing with correspondence, seeing…
