The Queen's Senior Lady-in Waiting and Mistress of the Robes, Fortune Fitzroy, is only needed for ceremonial occasions. The other eight are in regular attendance. The Mistress of the Robes is a lot like a personal stylist. She is responsible for the Queen's wardrobe and jewelry. She is also in charge of the other Ladies-in-Waiting and their schedules and duties. The Woman of the Bedchamber is the Queen's right-hand woman. She has the most up-close and personal responsibilities. It is her job to help the Queen dress and undress, as well as to help her take a bath.
The Ladies-in-Waiting are considered the Queen's best friends (Her Majesty's A-Team) and help their mistress collect flowers at events, attend to private and personal matters, run all her errands, and handle general correspondence. Not all of the ladies are of noble birth but are all well-off financially and have shared interests, inbred caution, and are etiquette savvy. They are unpaid but do receive room and board in the royal London residence as well as a clothing and travel allowance. They are friends for life with the Queen and they NEVER retire.
Meet some of the ladies:
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| Diana Baroness Farnham, Lady of the Bedchamber |
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| The Hon. Mary Anne Morrison, Woman of the Bedchamber |
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| Lady Susan Hussey, Woman of the Bedchamber |
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| Fortune Fitzroy, Mistress of the Robes, Dowager Duchess of Crafton, Sr. Lady-in-Waiting |
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Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, Lady of the Bedchamber since 1973 The Hon. Annabel Whitehead, Lady-in-Waiting There are three other Ladies-in-Waiting to the Queen: Philippa de Pass, Jennifer Gibbs, and Richenda Elton. (They are internet-shy). If you wondering about Kate Middleton...she has only one Lady-in-Waiting (aka her Right-Hand Woman/Personal Assistant/Modern-Day Lady-in-Waiting), Catherine Quinn. I truly missed my calling! Lady-in-Waiting (well, old-school style) sounds exciting to me! This new modern-day assistant thing, notsomuch. Thank you for visiting with me today. I will be back tomorrow to talk about the Queen's fashion. |
I'm surprised that Princess Anne has so many LIWs. She never comes across as Royal, if you know what I mean, and strikes me as not much on ceremony. I would have thought that the Duchess of Cambridge would have a younger LIW. Not being ageist at all. Perhaps there is a shortage of candidates closer to the Duchess's age? Fascinating post Miss Janice.
ReplyDeleteWOW Miss Janice,
ReplyDeleteThat was a great post. I never knew any of that. Can you imagine? They never retire. I guess that's real job security. As Carson said....A life of service.
Looking forward to more.
Warmly, Kathleen
This is a fascinating post! There are times when I would like some assistance but would probably draw the line at the bathing bit...ha!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison! I was shock that the Princess Royal had as many LIW as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathleen! Maybe they “know too much!”
ReplyDeleteDonna, I agree. Just bring me a towel and get out! When I can’t bathe myself, it will be time for a nurse.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. That's the beauty of such legacy the Queen definitely need help.
ReplyDeleteWonderful history appreciate it without it your life is empty.
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