When the Queen passed away, she left behind loyal members of the royal household, who are of course mourning her loss. Her lady-in-waiting was perhaps closest to the monarch.
Lady Susan Hussey was the Queen’s principal lady-in-waiting, having served her since 1960. According to Tatler, the Baroness was initially employed to respond to letters after Prince Andrew was born. She was affectionately dubbed “number one head girl” and has been at the Queen’s side since.
Camilla will assume the title of Queen Consort following the accession of King Charles III and will soon be tasked with appointing a set of ladies-in-waiting to be by her side as she takes her new title. Contenders could include Camilla's formidable and loyal former private secretary Amanda MacManus.
What is a lady-in-waiting?
A lady-in-waiting or court lady is a female personal assistant at a royal court, attending on a queen or princess. Historically, in Europe, a lady-in-waiting was often a noblewoman but of lower rank than the woman to whom she attended.
The role may be either paid or unpaid. A lady-in-waiting has traditionally been considered more of a secretary, courtier or companion to her mistress than a servant.
What did the Queen’s lady-in-waiting do?
According to Woman & Home, Lady Susan Hussey was not only close to the Queen but also an integral member of the royal family. She is godmother to Prince William, the new Prince of Wales, and has been photographed at the Queen’s side at many royal events.
It was also reported that Lady Susan recommended Tiggy Legge-Bourke as nanny to Princes William and Harry. She was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian order in the 2013 Birthday honours – the highest rank granted by the sovereign.
Royal watchers say the main role for a lady-in-waiting is to be a friend and assistant. They collect flowers at events, attend private errands and deal with correspondence.
The Queen is believed to have had five ladies-in-waiting in the latter part of her life. Lady Elizabeth Leeming, who is also the Queen's cousin once removed, was appointed in 2017, while Susan Rhodes was appointed more recently and spent time in the Queen's bubble during the various lockdowns.
What key people will the King have around him?
Sir Clive Alderton has been at the King's side since his appointment as principal private secretary in 2015 and was seen with the new monarch on September 9, as he greeted members of the public who had gathered in their thousands outside Buckingham Palace.
He will be working closely with Sir Edward Young, the Queen’s private secretary, in the coming months as Charles begins his reign. It will be the King's personal choice whether to appoint Sir Edward or Sir Clive as his main secretary – or he could appoint someone new altogether.
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