What Is a Lady-in-Waiting
A lady-in-waiting is a female attendant who assists a queen, princess, or other female royal. Historically, the role combined personal service, companionship, and court duties.
Do Ladies-in-Waiting Still Exist
Yes. Several European royal households still appoint ladies-in-waiting, though the role is now largely ceremonial and supportive rather than domestic.
For example, the British Royal Household maintains ladies-in-waiting to the Queen Consort and other senior royals, with duties focused on events, correspondence, and public appearances. Similar roles exist in other monarchies, often filled by women from aristocratic or long-standing court circles.
What Modern Ladies-in-Waiting Do
Today, they help organize engagements, accompany royals at functions, and manage aspects of schedules and protocol. The position is typically unpaid or modestly stipended, and appointments are often for long terms rather than lifetime roles.
For more details on current royal household structure, see the official overview at Royal.uk.
