Lady-in-waiting

Princess Tatiana Alexandrovna Yusupova, 1858

A palace concert

Madame la princesse de Lamballe by Antoine-François Callet (circa 1776, Callet)

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Royal Visit Toronto 2010 5

King's speech 2023

Lady-in-waiting is a female personal assistant at a court, royal or feudal, attending on a queen, a princess, or a high-ranking noblewoman. Historically, ladies-in-waiting were often of noble birth themselves, and their positions were considered prestigious within the court. The role has varied greatly over time and depending on the country and the court's culture and structure.

Roles and Duties

The primary duties of a lady-in-waiting typically included attending to the personal needs of the court's ladies, such as helping them dress, accompanying them to social events, and sometimes managing their correspondence. Depending on the period and the court, their roles could also extend to more administrative or managerial tasks, such as overseeing the domestic staff or managing the lady's schedule.

Historical Overview

The concept of the lady-in-waiting has its roots in ancient times, with similar positions existing in the courts of China, Japan, Ancient Egypt, and other cultures. In Europe, the role became prominent during the Middle Ages and evolved through the Renaissance into the modern era. The organization, titles, and duties of ladies-in-waiting varied from country to country and from one royal court to another.

European Courts

In European courts, the titles and organization of the household of ladies-in-waiting often reflected the hierarchical nature of the society. For example, in the British Royal Court, positions included the Mistress of the Robes, who was in charge of the queen's wardrobe, and the Lady of the Bedchamber, who attended to more personal needs. The French court had the Dame d'honneur and the Fille d'honneur, among others, serving the queen and princesses.

Asian Courts

In the courts of East Asia, such as the Imperial Court of China or the court of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, ladies-in-waiting also held significant roles. In China, they were often selected from the official wives or concubines of the emperor, while in Korea, the title "sanggung" denoted a high-ranking lady-in-waiting.

Modern Times

In contemporary times, the role of the lady-in-waiting has become largely ceremonial in most royal courts. However, they still play a part in the daily lives and duties of some royal families, assisting with public engagements and personal matters.

Notable Ladies-in-Waiting

Throughout history, some ladies-in-waiting have become well-known figures, either through their own actions or through their association with more famous individuals. For example, Anne Boleyn was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine of Aragon before she became the second wife of Henry VIII.

In Popular Culture

The figure of the lady-in-waiting has been a popular subject in literature, film, and television, often depicted as a close confidante or a rival to the lady they serve. Their roles in historical and fictional narratives highlight the intrigue and complexity of court life.