The Queen has always had a close relationship with the trusted lady-in-waiting who supported her at Prince Philip’s funeral, but who is she and what exactly is her role?
• The Queen has a loyal lady-in-waiting who has been at her side for decades
• Many royal fans wonder who this lady-in-waiting is and what she does
• In other Royal news, Prince Harry misses the Queen’s 95th birthday after returning to the US
This particular lady-in-waiting and right-hand woman is Lady Susan Hussey. Baroness Hussey has been a friend and companion to Queen Elizabeth since 1960, when she was employed as the Queen’s Woman of the Bedchamber.
According to Tatler, the Baroness was initially employed to respond to letters after Prince Andrew was born. Apparently, she was affectionately dubbed as “Number one head girl” in the office and has been at the Queen’s side since that time.
Lady Susan is not only close to the Queen but is also an integral member of the Royal Family. She is godmother to Prince William the Duke of Cambridge, has been photographed at many royal events and has shown many of those married into the Royal Family how to become accustomed to royal life.
It was also reported that Lady Susan recommended Tiggy Legge-Bourke as nanny to Princes William and Harry, as she had a close relationship with Lady Diana Spencer.
Lady Susan was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian order in the 2013 Birthday honors. This is the highest rank personally granted by the sovereign. This honor was bestowed on the late Prince Philip, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex.
According to royal experts, the main role for a lady-in-waiting is primarily to be a friend and assistant. “A lady-in-waiting’s jobs mainly consist of helping their mistress collect flowers at events, attending private and personal matters, running errands, and handling general correspondence.”
Lady Susan is not the only lady-in-waiting to the Queen, as the monarch has five women who assist her. Ann Fortune FitzRoy, Duchess of Grafton, is a senior lady in waiting and at the age of 101 is the eldest. The Hon Mary Morrison has been a lady-in-waiting for almost 60 years, like Lady Susan.
The Queen has also appointed ladies-in-waiting more recently. Lady Elizabeth Leeming, who is also the Queen's cousin once removed, was appointed in 2017. Finally, there is Susan Rhodes, who is thought to have spent time in the Queen's bubble during the various lockdowns.
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