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.
-
Sarah Jessica Parker just gave her skinny jeans a surprising spring update and the result has us reaching for this outfit combinationSarah Jessica Parker shows us how to update jeans to wear them throughout spring with one simple styling trick
-
My confidence 'soared' after I tried the 3-2-1 workout method - here's how it revolutionised my routineFor the past two weeks, I have been doing the 3-2-1 workout method to boost my fitness, flexibility, and strength
-
Kate Middleton is that you? Her floral dress, side-swept fringe and pink blazer deserve a comebackThe building blocks for the Princess’ signature style were always there in her looks and this outfit can easily be updated for 2025.
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William to spend anniversary in bittersweet location holding 'happiest and saddest' memoriesJust like King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales will mark their wedding anniversary away from home this year.
-
I’ve been writing about the royals for years - here’s what I predict Kate Middleton will wear at Easter (and what I wish she’d wear instead)All eyes will be on the Princess of Wales if she attends the Royal Family's Easter Sunday church service for the first time since 2023
-
Remember when Prince William and Kate Middleton broke royal protocol at Easter? Here's why it's unlikely to happen againThe Royal Family might be taking a more modern approach these days, but there are some traditions and protocols that they still uphold.
-
Kate Middleton's go-to bag for special occasions is a wedding season essential you'll reach for time and time againThe Princess of Wales always reaches for the same elegant style of bag for formal events and it works beautifully for weddings.
-
Kate Middleton declares baker boy hats back for 2025 in new Love Actually-esque outfitThe Princess of Wales's signature style is all about timelessness but that doesn’t mean that she never gets on board with trends.
-
Prince George will start a new school this year and 'smart money' is on Kate and William choosing this one, says royal expertPrince George only has just over a year left at Lambrook School and Emily Andrews believes there's a top contender for his next one.
-
Queen Camilla takes note of Kate Middleton's love of polka dots with charming collared number in RomeIf we had to pick the Princess of Wales’s favourite print it would be polka dots and Queen Camilla just emulated her style in Rome.
