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Royal style: tours, rings and gowns galore, how could we possibly ask for more?

999 replies

QueenOfTheAndals · 29/09/2019 23:38

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QueenOfTheAndals · 03/10/2019 12:39

Apparently HM's most senior lady in waiting is the Dowager Duchess of Grafton but, given she's nearly 100, I'm not sure how much waiting she actually does.

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Sooverthemill · 03/10/2019 12:54

@Queenoftheandals ladies in waiting have been around for much longer than that! Medieval days at least. Often high ranking women in the royal court.

peridito · 03/10/2019 12:59

Just realised that I'm a LiW . To son and other half .

AppleKatie · 03/10/2019 13:08

Princess Anne definitely has them not sure about the younger ones. One of the things they do is chat to people in the crowd at events so PA speaks to the main players so maybe 10-15 people and the ladies can easily speak to the same if not more each so more people feel involved in the event.

SenecaFalls · 03/10/2019 13:21

Yes, ladies in waiting have been around for a long time. Anne Boleyn was a lady-in waiting (or more technically a maid of honour) to Katherine of Aragon. We all know how that turned out.

QueenOfTheAndals · 03/10/2019 13:29

Well yes, I know they've been around for centuries but it just seems like a very outdated job! I suppose they dress HM too. Can't imagine Kate needs any help with that!

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banivani · 03/10/2019 13:59

I think that in Sweden they're more like PA:s now.

Myimaginarycathasfleas · 03/10/2019 14:05

I think they are essentially close and trusted friends and companions who help her with her day to day stuff. They never retire and it's an unpaid job. Basically, her wives.

JaimeBronde · 03/10/2019 16:16

I would love a LiW or 2 or 3.......

SenecaFalls · 03/10/2019 16:51

I think the younger ones have PA's instead of ladies in waiting, but they perform similar functions.

SenecaFalls · 03/10/2019 16:55

The LiWs write letters or at least they used to. When I was a child, I wrote the Queen a letter, and I received a reply from a lady in waiting that began "Her Majesty has commanded me to write. . ." That certainly impressed my nine-year-old self. Smile Crown

BertrandRussell · 03/10/2019 17:53

Was there no cocktail party last night? Sad

QueenOfTheAndals · 03/10/2019 18:05

No @BertrandRussell, it was an afternoon audience with the SA President and then back to Blighty.

No Meghan or Kate engagements announced for the foreseeable future but let's hope something comes up to tide us over til the Pakistan trip!

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MotherofPearl · 03/10/2019 18:17

Here we have Max in one of her sombrero/stetson type hats! This one really engulfs her face. Though she has a great sense of theatricality, that's for sure. I quite like the jumbo necklace and earrings.

Royal style: tours, rings and gowns galore, how could we possibly ask for more?
Royal style: tours, rings and gowns galore, how could we possibly ask for more?
paradyning · 03/10/2019 18:36

That's a really interesting necklace. Is it wooden?

ElspethFlashman · 03/10/2019 18:38

These days they're called PAs. But they are exactly the same thing. They always did a lot of admin.

I think Kate has about 3 on the staff in various degrees of seniority and with various vague administrative job titles.

ElspethFlashman · 03/10/2019 18:44

I think Kates teal dress was gorgeous - but did make her look rather flat chested. You need a bit of upholstery to fill out that fabric.

If it was cheaper I'd buy it for myself!

MotherofPearl · 03/10/2019 19:07

I think it's wooden.

StCharlotte · 03/10/2019 19:11

Apparently HM's most senior lady in waiting is the Dowager Duchess of Grafton but, given she's nearly 100, I'm not sure how much waiting she actually does.

Oh she's waiting alright Wink

MotherofPearl · 03/10/2019 19:19

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/lostinshowbiz/2019/oct/03/with-the-greatest-disrespect-how-her-majestys-press-offers-its-candid-friendship?CMP=ShareiOSAppOther

Some of you may enjoy this. Marina Hyde on the Sussexes' action against the Mail. @SenecaFalls might like the historical references too.

Wetdogloveshubert · 03/10/2019 19:28

Oh @MotherofPearl what a treat Marina Hyde is. Her columns bring much-needed cynicism and honesty. I enjoyed this:

"For some decades, my favourite reaction has been the mad leader columns in which the paper in question rants about what they are OWED by whichever prince or princess has denied them #content of some form or other. These are the journalistic equivalent of screaming in the street that a woman should have sex with you because you bought her a drink. Or, in this case, bought a titchy percentage of her drink as a UK taxpayer. In any other arena it would be regarded as certifiably embarrassing behaviour."

Wetdogloveshubert · 03/10/2019 19:29

I meant to add that I enjoyed Max's typically bold style today. The accessories are spot on - bar the slightly too floppy hat. Her joy sizzles.

thisenglishlife · 03/10/2019 19:42

All of Kate's India outfits (I think!). The cobalt/electric blue Jenny Packham gown is one of her best ever looks. The white and black Temperley is great too.

I forgot she had a Marilyn moment there as well.

Royal style: tours, rings and gowns galore, how could we possibly ask for more?
Royal style: tours, rings and gowns galore, how could we possibly ask for more?
Royal style: tours, rings and gowns galore, how could we possibly ask for more?
QueenOfTheAndals · 03/10/2019 19:57

Speaking of history, Helen Mirren's drama about Catherine the Great starts tonight on Sky/NowTV.

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SenecaFalls · 03/10/2019 20:09

@MotherofPearl I love that Marina Hyde piece. Thanks for the link.

Is Queen Bess a Maid Or No? Grin