Lady-in-Waiting Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of high society, the role of a lady-in-waiting has never been more crucial.

As modern nobility evolves, the need for skilled individuals who can facilitate, enhance, and protect the protocols of the court grows ever more important.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a lady-in-waiting?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this position,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of a royal court,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable lady-in-waiting job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Lady-in-Waiting Duties and Responsibilities

A Lady-in-Waiting is a personal assistant to a queen, princess, or other high-ranking female noble.

The role is often filled by a woman of noble birth.

Duties can vary widely, depending on the needs of the employer and the customs of the region or country.

However, some common duties and responsibilities of a Lady-in-Waiting include:

• Accompanying the queen or princess to social events and official functions
• Assisting with personal care, such as dressing and hair styling
• Managing correspondence, including reading and writing letters on behalf of the queen or princess
• Receiving and entertaining guests, often serving as a hostess
• Offering companionship and emotional support to the queen or princess
• Maintaining knowledge of social etiquette and protocol to advise the queen or princess
• Overseeing the queen or princess’s wardrobe and ensuring that she is appropriately dressed for every occasion
• Performing light housekeeping duties in the queen or princess’s private apartments
• Coordinating travel arrangements and accompanying the queen or princess on trips

 

Lady-in-Waiting Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a discreet, patient, and empathetic individual to fill the role of a Lady-in-Waiting.

The Lady-in-Waiting’s responsibilities include providing personal assistance to royalty or nobility, accompanying them to social events, and assisting with various administrative tasks.

Our ideal candidate understands the code of etiquette, has excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive matters with utmost confidentiality.

Ultimately, the role of the Lady-in-Waiting is to provide emotional support and companionship while ensuring the comfort and well-being of the lady she serves.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and emotional support to the lady
• Accompany the lady to social, cultural, and official events
• Assist with personal care and dressing
• Help manage social and personal correspondence
• Coordinate travel arrangements
• Ensure the lady’s comfort and well-being at all times
• Handle sensitive matters with utmost confidentiality
• Perform light housekeeping tasks when necessary
• Coordinate with other staff members to ensure smooth operation

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role or in personal assistance
• Excellent understanding of the code of etiquette
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with utmost confidentiality
• Flexible schedule and willingness to travel
• Basic understanding of administrative tasks and correspondence management
• High school diploma or equivalent. Further education in hospitality or related fields is a plus

 

Benefits

• Accommodation and meals provided
• Travel opportunities
• Access to high-profile events
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Lady-in-Waiting
• Work Environment: Royal or noble household
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the lady she serves
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: Various locations depending on the lady’s schedule
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Lady-in-Waiting Do?

A Lady-in-Waiting primarily serves in the royal household or court of a queen or princess.

This role is traditionally filled by a woman of noble birth.

The key responsibility of a Lady-in-Waiting is to attend to the personal needs of the queen or princess.

This can range from practical tasks such as helping her dress, accompanying her on public appearances, and carrying messages or items on her behalf.

They are also responsible for assisting the queen or princess in social duties, such as receiving guests, organizing and attending social events, and making introductions.

They may accompany her on trips and visits, acting as companions and confidantes.

In some cases, a Lady-in-Waiting may also handle various administrative tasks, such as managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, and supervising domestic staff.

The role of a Lady-in-Waiting requires a high level of discretion, loyalty, and etiquette knowledge, as they are often privy to sensitive and confidential information.

While the specific duties can vary depending on the customs of the court and the personal preferences of the queen or princess, the primary goal of a Lady-in-Waiting is to provide support and companionship to her ladyship.

 

Lady-in-Waiting Qualifications and Skills

A Lady-in-Waiting should possess a unique set of qualifications and skills, given her role in supporting high-ranking individuals, particularly within a royal household.

These include:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills to maintain a professional relationship with her principal and deal tactfully and courteously with other staff and visitors.
• Excellent communication skills to understand and execute instructions accurately, handle correspondence, and liaise between the lady she serves and other individuals or agencies.
• Strong sense of discretion and confidentiality, given the sensitive nature of the role and the information she might be privy to.
• Good organisational skills to manage a varied workload, coordinating appointments, travel arrangements and events.
• Understanding and knowledge of etiquette and protocol, as she will be expected to attend official functions and assist her lady in public settings.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, often coordinating with other household staff to ensure smooth functioning.
• Personal resilience and adaptability to cope with the demands and pressures of the role, which might include long hours, travel, and managing last-minute changes.
• Knowledge of or interest in the arts, culture, and history may also be beneficial, given the cultural and ceremonial aspects of the role.

 

Lady-in-Waiting Experience Requirements

A Lady-in-Waiting usually gains the necessary experience and etiquette skills through a rigorous education in a prestigious school or university, focusing on arts, languages, history, and etiquette.

Additional practical experience is often acquired through internships or entry-level roles at court, in diplomatic circles, or within other high-society settings.

This can help gain a deep understanding of royal or aristocratic life, protocol, and responsibilities.

For more senior roles as a Lady-in-Waiting, several years of experience within a royal or noble household is typically required.

This experience should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to handle sensitive information discreetly, manage complex social arrangements, and provide personal assistance to the lady they serve.

Individuals with more than five years of experience in such roles may be considered for higher positions within the royal household.

These roles often involve managerial responsibilities, overseeing junior staff, and advising the lady they serve on a wide range of issues.

As such, a solid background in diplomacy, management, and an understanding of constitutional matters may be required.

 

Lady-in-Waiting Education and Training Requirements

The role of a Lady-in-Waiting, often associated with royal courts, doesn’t have specific education requirements as it is more often a position based on personal relationships, trust, and discretion.

However, there are certain skills and knowledge that can be beneficial in this role.

A good level of general education is beneficial in this role, as a Lady-in-Waiting may be expected to engage in conversation on a variety of topics.

Studies in fields such as history, art, literature, and politics could be particularly useful.

Knowledge of etiquette and protocol is critical in this role, as the Lady-in-Waiting will often be required to attend formal functions and engagements.

This can be gained through specific training courses or through practical experience in similar environments.

Being multi-lingual can be very useful, as this role may involve international travel and interaction with individuals from different countries.

Therefore, fluency in multiple languages, especially those spoken in countries frequently visited, would be an asset.

A background in personal assistance or secretarial work could also be beneficial, as the role often involves managing schedules, correspondence, and other administrative tasks.

As the role is highly personal and often involves acting as a confidante, trustworthiness, loyalty, and discretion are key skills that cannot necessarily be learned but are crucial for anyone considering this role.

Finally, while not a formal requirement, a close personal relationship with the individual being served is usually necessary, as the role is very much based on personal trust and familiarity.

 

Lady-in-Waiting Salary Expectations

The position of a Lady-in-Waiting is typically not a salaried role, as it is traditionally an honorary position held by a woman of noble birth who attends a queen or princess.

In certain modern contexts, a Lady-in-Waiting may receive a modest stipend or allowances for expenses.

The actual benefits and compensation could vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances and the resources of the royal or noble household they serve.

 

Lady-in-Waiting Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Lady-in-Waiting need?

A Lady-in-Waiting should possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, as they will often be tasked with representing their employer in social situations.

They also need strong organizational skills, as they may have to manage their employer’s schedule and coordinate their daily activities.

Discretion and loyalty are of utmost importance in this role, due to the often sensitive nature of the information they are privy to.

 

Do Ladies-in-Waiting need a degree?

A degree is not typically required for a Lady-in-Waiting, but education in fields like history, international relations, or etiquette can be beneficial.

The most important qualifications for a Lady-in-Waiting are often personal qualities such as discretion, loyalty, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with grace.

Many Ladies-in-Waiting are also expected to have a thorough understanding of courtly customs and traditions.

 

What should you look for in a Lady-in-Waiting resume?

In a Lady-in-Waiting resume, look for experience in roles requiring discretion, confidentiality, and excellent interpersonal skills.

This could include roles in diplomacy, public relations, or personal assistance.

Any experience or knowledge relevant to the customs, traditions, and requirements of the court or high society could also be beneficial.

A good Lady-in-Waiting will also need to be adaptable and able to anticipate the needs of her employer.

 

What qualities make a good Lady-in-Waiting?

A good Lady-in-Waiting is discreet, loyal, and adaptable.

They should have excellent interpersonal skills and be comfortable in a variety of social situations.

They should also be highly organized and able to manage a busy schedule.

Finally, a good Lady-in-Waiting should have a strong understanding of courtly customs and traditions, and be able to navigate the complex social situations that can arise in a courtly setting.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Lady-in-Waiting?

Hiring a Lady-in-Waiting can be a challenge due to the specific and demanding nature of the role.

It requires finding someone with the right combination of personal qualities, such as discretion and loyalty, as well as the necessary skills and experience.

As such, the pool of suitable candidates is often quite small.

However, with careful vetting and consideration, it is possible to find a Lady-in-Waiting who is a perfect fit for the role.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we unveiled the sophisticated world of being a lady-in-waiting.

And guess what?

It’s not just about serving royalty.

It’s about upholding tradition, maintaining decorum, and becoming an integral part of a grand legacy, one service at a time.

With our comprehensive lady-in-waiting job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on this royal journey.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulous job listings or perfecting your resume to royal standards.

Remember:

Every duty carried out is a thread woven into the tapestry of a rich heritage.

Let’s uphold that legacy. Together.

How to Become a Lady-in-Waiting (Complete Guide)

Crisis-Resistant Careers: The Safest Jobs in a Shaky Economy

Job Market Reality: The Careers With the Smallest Paychecks in 2025

Live Life on Your Terms: High-Paying Remote Jobs for Ultimate Freedom!

Career Champions: The Most In-Demand Jobs of the Moment