A lady-in-waiting is a female companion to a monarch or noble, historically from the nobility but not required now. They were not servants and had different ranks. Some ladies-in-waiting became important historical figures. The role is still privileged and some perform ceremonial functions.
A lady-in-waiting is a woman who associates with a monarch or a high-ranking noble. Historically, ladies-in-waiting were members of the nobility themselves, although this is no longer necessarily required. This role has also evolved considerably; most modern ladies-in-waiting are discreet companions rather than members of a huge court entourage that is designed to impress. A good lady-in-waiting is said to be intelligent, good-natured, and unafraid to offer honest or helpful advice to her mistress.
Historically, rulers and members of the nobility have always been surrounded by a court, an entourage of individuals forming a large collective family. Monarchs were often entertained by members of their court, who danced, sang, played games, attended shows, and participated in other amusements. In exchange for their roles as companions, members of the court received special privileges and lodgings as a gift from the monarch.
Queens and female members of the nobility often had a large entourage of women who would collectively be referred to as ladies-in-waiting. Though they served their mistresses, they were not servants; they did not clean, cook, or take responsibility for running the royal household, for example, as servants historically did. Ladies-in-waiting were generally divided into ranks; ladies of the privy chamber, for example, had access to the private quarters of their mistresses, while maids of honor could be relatives of the noblewoman in question.
Several ladies-in-waiting have become important historical figures. Many of them wrote vivid descriptions of court life, sometimes accompanied by artwork and musical compositions. Some became politically powerful due to their proximity to the monarchy, while others became particularly close to the monarchy, as was the case with Anne Boleyn, who later became a monarch herself.
This role continues to be highly privileged, although most monarchs no longer surround themselves with an extensive and conspicuous entourage. However, monarchs still need friends and companions, and in general any woman who interacts closely with a noble woman is known as a lady-in-waiting. In some regions of the world, these women also perform ceremonial functions; the Mistress of the Robes in England, for example, oversees the Queen’s gowns and jewels and also performs an assortment of traditional duties during state ceremonies. The Mistress of the Robes is also typically a duchess, incidentally.
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