They served as personal assistants, confidantes, and companions to their mistresses, often forming close relationships with them. While the specific duties of a lady-in-waiting could vary depending on the household and region, some common responsibilities included:
Assisting with Personal Care: Ladies-in-waiting aided the queen with various aspects of her daily routine, such as dressing, preparing her bath, and assisting with toilette activities.
Attending Royal Events: They accompanied the queen to official functions, ceremonies, and social gatherings, both within the court and when travelling.
Managing the Household: Ladies-in-waiting had roles in overseeing household matters, from supervising tasks of other female servants to ensuring the smooth running of various domestic activities.
Educating and Entertaining: Ladies-in-waiting were often expected to be accomplished in skills such as music, singing, embroidery, and literature. They could provide education and entertainment for the queen and other members of the court.
Advising and Counseling: Some ladies-in-waiting became trusted confidantes, offering advice and support to their mistresses on personal and sometimes even political matters.
Liaising with Guests: Depending on the hierarchy of the court, ladies-in-waiting could act as mediators and liaisons for requests or interactions with external parties, including diplomats and foreign envoys.
The position of lady-in-waiting was highly sought after as it offered opportunities for status, influence, and personal growth. Many ladies-in-waiting came from prestigious families and sought these roles as stepping stones to advantageous marriages or political power.