It’s not a complete overhaul. The new role will be similar to what it has been:a member of queen’s dutiful and trustworthy inner circle. But now,it will be a less all-encompassing position,involving less regular attendance,waiting that is,on the Queen.
The companions will “on occasion accompany” her and support some of her official duties,said the palace statement on Monday AEDT.
“Some of the Queen’s Companions will be in attendance for the first time at Her Majesty’s Violence Against Women and Girls Reception at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday,” the statement said by way of example.
“The role of Queen’s Companion will be to support the Queen Consort in some of her key official and State duties,in addition to her Private Secretary/Deputy Private Secretary.”
The concept of a “lady-in-waiting” has existed in European history since the Middle Ages to support queens,even with dressing and bathing. Once for paid servants,the role altered amid the shifted belief that only people of stature should engage closely with a monarch associated with divinity.