A wind of modernity blows in Buckingham: Camilla, who became queen consort on the death of Elizabeth II, will do without bridesmaids. This role dating from the Middle Ages disappears in favor of the “queen’s companions”, who will have a less important role.
As BBC News relates, the ladies in company often belonged to the aristocracy. They helped the queen with administrative tasks, mail management, and her schedule.
The Queen’s new companions, a title billed as “honourary” by the British media, will be less present with the Queen, mainly accompanying her at public events and official engagements. Unlike their predecessors, they will not receive a salary but will be paid.
First mission this week.
Queen Elizabeth II’s bridesmaids will be renamed “ladies of the house” (“the ladies of the house,” literally) and will now work with King Charles III, helping him organize events at Buckingham Palace.
The new “companion queens” will be, to many, longtime friends of Camilla’s. The BBC cites in particular Jane von Westenholz, Lady Katharine Brooke and Barone Chisholm. They will take up their duties this week at an event in Buckingham organized by Camilla: she will host activists against domestic violence.
Source: BFM TV
