Lady-in-waiting

A lady-in-waiting was like a special friend and helper for a queen or a very important lady. She wasn't a servant who cleaned or cooked, but more like a secretary or a companion. She would help the royal lady with her clothes, her letters, and make sure she had everything she needed.

It was a job for ladies who were often from noble families themselves, but not as important as the lady they served.

These ladies had many jobs! They helped the royal lady get dressed, which could take a long time with fancy clothes and hairstyles. They also kept her company, talked with her, and sometimes even wrote letters for her. Think of it like having a best friend who also helps you get ready for a big party and tells you what's happening at school. They were always close by, ready to assist.

This job has been around for a very, very long time, for hundreds of years! In olden times, kings and queens had many people working for them in their castles. A lady-in-waiting was an important part of the royal household. Sometimes, a queen got to pick her own ladies, but often her family or the king would help choose who got to be a lady-in-waiting.

Being a lady-in-waiting was a big deal! It meant you were trusted and close to someone very powerful. It was a way for noble families to stay close to the royal court. In some places, the job was different, and the ladies might have had even more duties. It was a unique role that changed depending on who you were helping and where you lived.