Wild Facts About the Royal Family Every Anglophile Should Know

European court life has always required royals to have a large retinue of people around them to assist with daily life and duties. Records of European princesses and queens having ladies-in-waiting date back farther than the Middle Ages! The centuries-long tradition still stands today, although with some modern updates. 

Instead of the term “ladies-in-waiting,” most people commonly refer to them as “assistants” now. It’s a more modern term, but the idea is still generally the same. They help with administrative duties, planning, and hosting. In addition, they often act as the royal’s companion during public appearances and outings. Princess Anne has eleven ladies-in-waiting, so we can only imagine how many the King has!