Should the Royal Family have ladies-in-waiting?

[OutWalkin]

I've just seen a story that the Queen Consort is unlikely to have ladies-in-waiting and that neither her nor the Princess of Wales have had them previously when they could have.

What do you think? Is it outdated and time to retire the whole thing? Or is it an efficient way of formalising support and companionship that they'd have anyway?
In their position, who would you choose as a lady-in-waiting?

(Also, I just learnt that they are not paid roles, which I thought they would be).

As I understand it, partly from Lady Glenconner's book and just gleanings over the years, the Q and P Margaret would have more than one LiW available so I don't think it has to be a 52 week a year job. No doubt various members of staff could do the letter answering and the flower collecting and all the other jobs but it might be quite nice to have a trusted confidante along.

I'm suppose this role has been superseded by a good PA or two now who can handle correspondence, make appointments, run errands, help at events etc.

A young daughter of a Duke might want to do effectively a internship with a senior royal for experience and exposure possibly, if they had ambitions to be an influencer for example or if you wanted to get into the media or fashion you could do much worse than be seen hanging out with Catherine looking elegant.

They’ll just have PAs instead. It’s basically a PA role as far as I can see anyway, it just predates the concept of one.

There’s a fascinating book called Elizabeth’s Women, about various influential women in the life of Elizabeth I. It includes a lot about her LiW - definitely not an easy or glamorous job back in those days, but highly coveted!

Well, they have dispensed with the 'Groom of the Stool' unless King Charles III decides to have it re-instated. (I'm busy that day)😳