A lady in waiting, also known as a court lady, is a female personal assistant at a court who attends on a royal woman or a high-ranking noblewoman. The role of a lady in waiting has varied throughout history and across cultures. In Europe, a lady in waiting was often a noblewoman but of lower rank than the woman to whom she attended. Although she may have received a retainer or may not have received compensation for the service she rendered, a lady in waiting was considered more of a secretary, courtier, or companion to her mistress than a servant. In some other parts of the world, the lady in waiting, often referred to as a palace woman, was in practice a servant or a slave rather than a high-ranking woman, but still had about the same tasks, functioning as a companion and secretary to her mistress.
The duties of ladies in waiting varied across Europe but were generally similar in the medieval and early modern periods. Ladies in waiting performed intimate duties such as putting on and removing the queen’s clothing and bathing her. They were expected to put her needs above those of their own husbands and children. They spent most of the day with the queen and provided her with companionship and entertainment in her private chambers. To that end, many ladies in waiting could sing, play musical instruments, and dance. In addition, they maintained a prominent role in the court’s public life, attending to the queen and participating in such events as ambassadorial receptions and masques.
Modern ladies in waiting continue to exist in royal courts like that of the United Kingdom, acting as personal assistants and companions at official events. A lady in waiting attending to the queen is usually called Lady of the Bedchamber and they are ranked between First Lady of the Bedchamber and the Women of the Bedchamber, each carrying out various duties. The role is not typically paid, and it has been reported that some ladies in waiting were not given a salary during their time in the position, instead serving the queen out of loyalty.
