Ladies in Waiting
Ladies in Waiting
- The Queen appoints a Mistress of the Robes, Ladies of the Bedchamber and Women of the Bedchamber. The last named take consecutive turns of duty, and are generally known as Ladies in Waiting. This duty usually lasts a fortnight.
- By custom the Mistress of the Robes is a peeress, usually a Duchess. The present Mistress of the Robes (since 1967) is the Duchess of Grafton, who was previously a Lady of the Bedchamber.
- The Mistress of the Robes and Ladies of the Bedchamber normally accompany The Queen only on State or other important occasions.
- Ladies in Waiting are responsible for looking after the flowers, cards and presents received by Her Majesty, and help the Queen write her private correspondence.
- Ladies in Waiting are also appointed to female members of the royal family who are Royal Highnesses.
The Equerry
- The Equerry is seconded from the Armed Forces for three years. Each Service takes it in turn to provide an officer.
- This uniformed officer is in personal attendance to The Queen, and supports her in both her public and private duties, helping to plan her daily programme.
