Reorganized from Maids to 'Queen's Companions' with Reduced Roles
Started with 6 Members, 1 Immediately Resigned over Racist Remarks
Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom has established a new organization called the "Queen's Companions" to replace the centuries-old system of ladies-in-waiting. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, has abolished the centuries-old royal ladies-in-waiting system.
According to recent reports from the BBC and other British and international media, Queen Camilla announced that the traditional 'Ladies in Waiting' organization would be reorganized into a more modern 'Queen's Companions' and officially began activities on the 29th of last month (local time).
The change in the royal household has not surprised many in the UK. British media had already reported on the possibility of this transition shortly after the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8.
The Korean term '시녀 (侍女)', meaning 'serving woman' or 'attendant woman,' carries a different connotation from the British concept of ladies-in-waiting. Ladies-in-waiting have existed since the medieval era and primarily serve as personal secretaries and loyal friends to the queen or queen consort. Unlike the palace maids of the Joseon Dynasty, who were mostly commoners, British ladies-in-waiting are of noble birth.
In the past, ladies-in-waiting assisted the queen and queen consort with dressing and bathing. Although once paid servants, as monarchies strengthened, the belief grew that only those of noble lineage could serve close to the monarch, leading to nobles taking on the role of ladies-in-waiting.
Among the centuries-old titles of ladies-in-waiting were 'Woman of the Bedchamber,' who helped the queen dress, 'Mistress of the Robes,' responsible for ceremonial attire and jewelry, and 'All Honorary,' who assisted with the queen's daily life.
The 'Queen's Companions' will have reduced duties compared to before. While they remain loyal and trusted members within the royal household, their regular attendance and waiting on the queen will decrease. Buckingham Palace stated in a press release on the 27th of last month that the Queen's Companions will occasionally accompany the queen and support some of her official duties.
Meanwhile, the 'Queen's Companions' have also faced controversy leading to disgraceful resignations. On the 30th of last month, Susan Hussey (83), one of the Queen's Companions, resigned immediately after apologizing for making a racist remark to a Black attendee at a royal event, which sparked significant controversy.
Hussey was a close confidante of the late Queen Elizabeth II, having served the royal household since the 1960s, and was also the godmother of Prince William. The event hosted by Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace was related to global violence against women, with 300 attendees including Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, and queens from Belgium and Jordan.
The person who heard the offensive remark, Ngozi Fulani, is the head of Sistah Space, an organization supporting African and Caribbean women victims of domestic violence. Fulani reportedly told 'Lady SH' (Susan Hussey) that she was British-born and that the organization is based in London, but Hussey continued to interrogate her, asking, "Which part of Africa are you from?"
Following Hussey's resignation, the number of Queen's Companions decreased from six to five. The profiles of the five include Queen Camilla's longtime friend, a military officer, an interior designer, and a ski athlete.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
