King consort Camilla
It breaks with centuries-old tradition
King consort Camilla transforms the palace.
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There will be no more ladies-in-waiting at Buckingham Palace. However, Camilla has appointed a few confidants to help her.
The position of the lady-in-waiting is said to no longer exist at Buckingham Palace. King’s wife Camilla (75) instead relies on six confidants to accompany and support her in her tasks, as reported by The Times, among others. These are said to be close friends of the Queen Consort, now called “Queen’s Companions”.
According to the newspaper, Camilla’s move is a “significant departure” from the style of the late Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022). Her ladies-in-waiting were “constantly present wherever she went”. This included trips abroad. Camilla’s “companions” are now expected to take on far lighter duties and only accompany her to a few important events each year, they say.
Support for Camilla
The six longtime confidants from the closer environment of King Charles III. (74) and King Consort Camilla will “personally assist” her with some official tasks, according to the report. According to media reports, these are Sarah Troughton, Jane von Westenholz, Fiona the Marchioness of Lansdowne, Lady Katharine Brooke and Baroness Carlyn Chisholm, and Lady Sarah Keswick.
A senior palace source told The Sunday Times: “The Queen Consort did not want or need maids of honor and the Queen’s companions will play a different role.” They should support Camilla and “keep her company,” according to the insider. “At the end of a very busy day, it’s nice to have a longtime friend by your side.”
According to media reports, Queen Elizabeth II’s ladies-in-waiting continue to work for the royal family. Lady Susan Hussey, Dame Mary Morrison and Dame Annabel Whitehead are said to be helping King Charles host formal events at Buckingham Palace.