topic Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting in Community Chat

Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

beach-mom — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:49:52 GMT

I read this yesterday and thought it was interesting. I learned a lot, and I thought I would share it with everyone.

Why the Queen chose Faithful Waiting Lady Susan Hussey for her loneliest trip

While Lady Susan’s presence often goes unnoticed, she can be seen in photographs from all aspects of royal life.

It was her loneliest trip – but she was not alone. On her darkest day in public service, the Queen had her faithful lady-in-waiting Susan Hussey by her side.

The Monarch and Lady Susan rode in the State Bentley for the short journey from the Sovereign’s entrance of Windsor Castle to the Galilee Porch of St George’s Chapel in companionable silence.

In quiet contemplation, the two women stood facing the cameras and the observing world with dignified calm.

The Queen had personally asked Lady Susan to join her as she prepared to say goodbye to her 99-year-old husband.

One of a tight inner circle of waiting ladies, Lady Susan has been at the Queen’s side since the birth of Prince Andrew when she joined the royal household to help answer a flurry of letters.

Affectionately known as the “Number One Head Girl” in an office that was once likened to the cheerful atmosphere of a girls’ common room, she has been described as one of the most important trusted figures to help the Queen in her later life.

She is one of a handful of confidants with whom the Queen can share memories for half a lifetime. She knew the Duke of Edinburgh behind closed doors like no other.

The 81-year-old is a Queen’s Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and the youngest daughter of the 12th Earl of Waldegrave. She is the widow of Marmaduke Hussey, former chairman of the BBC, and is the sister of former Tory cabinet minister William Waldegrave.

Being near the Prince of Wales and as a godmother to the Duke of Cambridge, her constant influence was felt through the generations of the royal family.

Because of her unparalleled knowledge of how the palace works, she has shown newcomers to royal life – including then-Lady Diana Spencer and the Duchess of Sussex – the ropes. She is said to be the one who recommended Tiggy Legge-Bourke, the beloved nanny of Princes William and Harry, for the job.

While her presence often goes unnoticed, she can be seen in photographs from every aspect of royal life, from accompanying Pippa Middleton to the church in Sandringham in 2017 to welcoming incoming and outgoing Prime Ministers warmly.

Her presence at the rain-soaked Royal Barge for the Jubilee River pageant was noted in 2012 when she slipped a pashmina over the Queen’s shoulders to protect her from the elements.

Like other ladies-in-waiting, she is not paid for the role and continues to serve out of personal loyalty to the Queen. Part of the royal household since 1960, she is regularly represented in court circulars and frequently represents the queen at funerals and events when the monarch is elsewhere or has other obligations.

When the Queen traveled around the world in her role as Head of State, Lady Susan was at her side.

At home, she is in the background at countless royal engagements, accepting flowers and gifts for the Queen, gently collecting children, and calming the nerves of the endless stream of local dignitaries who want to spend their moment in the sun.

In the office, she is part of a team that is still answering the numerous letters to the monarch and letting the young children who send pictures and poems know that their kindness has not gone unnoticed.

When the Queen begins a new phase of her life without Prince Philip by her side, she will find solace in the shared memories and constant company of a close group of waiting ladies led by Lady Susan.

(From The Telegraph and heavily edited by me for grammar! The author calls them "waiting ladies," which I changed in the article. She also made some other errors, which I decided to correct.)

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Love my grandkids — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:50:18 GMT

@beach-mom I read this exact article on line yesterday. Interesting.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

SharkE — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:52:03 GMT

Hope she doesn't betray her and write a book. I can't stand people who are dis-loyal.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Nonametoday — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:58:28 GMT

@beach-mom

Thank you for sharing that. Of all the things I read, I did not see that and it is very sweet, charming and historical.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Nonametoday — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:59:18 GMT

@SharkE

I think this lady has class, unlike those who come out just to make money and draw attention to themselves, some of whom we know but will not discuss here.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

hrhdhd — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 01:18:00 GMT

She's been loyal since 1960.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Twins Mom — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 01:19:24 GMT

@beach-mom

Thank you for sharing this interesting information.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

twinsister — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 01:41:12 GMT

@beach-mom - Thank you for sharing this, it was very interesting.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

MarieIG — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 02:08:19 GMT

@SharkE wrote:
Hope she doesn't betray her and write a book. I can't stand people who are dis-loyal.

After sixty years of devotion, I suspect that she will not.

She is not the longest serving lady-in-waiting however . . .

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

on the bay — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 02:32:38 GMT

@beach-mom,

Thank you for that interesting article.

Here is her picture-

Dame Mary Anne Morrison became the Queen's lady in waiting the same year as Susan Hussey and s reported to be the longest serving lady in waiting to the queen. (maybe by a few months).

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Still Raining — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 02:39:46 GMT

That must have been one hard car ride.

The queen seemed frail and a little lost.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Kachina624 — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 03:44:03 GMT

Very interesting article. The Queen would really be lost if she didn't have this woman. I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't finally turn it over to Charles. I imagine much joy has gone out of her life, especially with problems with her kids.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Sushismom — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:21:24 GMT

@Kachina624

I sincerely doubt Queen Elizabeth II will ever abdicate. On her 21st birthday, she said "I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

beach-mom — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:34:14 GMT

YW everyone! And thank you for the picture @on the bay! I think it would be an interesting job that I would like. You are serving someone, which I would enjoy, and it would be fun and challenging. The article said these ladies don't get a salary, so they each must be part of a wealthy family!

Lady Susan is probably the Queen's best friend who is not related to her. I'm pretty sure she would never betray her trust by writing a book.

I think she will continue to play a big role in the Queen's life. And I don't think the Queen will abdicate until she can no longer physically carry out her duties. She- and Prince Philip- are and were all about duty to country.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Kachina624 — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:35:45 GMT

@Sushismom wrote:
@Kachina624

I sincerely doubt Queen Elizabeth II will ever abdicate. On her 21st birthday, she said "I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."

@Sushismom It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. The constant problems would tend to wear on one after years. Time will tell.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Mistreatedbycs — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 11:06:16 GMT

Very faithful woman but where does her money come from? She is not paid one needs clothing and other essentials.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Johnnyeager — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 11:32:19 GMT

Lady Susan was married to a former Chairman of the BBC for many, many years until his death.

One would imagine that her personal resources are quite sufficient to survive absent a salary.

The Monarch does provide for travel expenses and a clothing allowance.

All of this information is readily available online.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Sushismom — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:48:17 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:

@Sushismom wrote:
@Kachina624

I sincerely doubt Queen Elizabeth II will ever abdicate. On her 21st birthday, she said "I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."
@Sushismom It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. The constant problems would tend to wear on one after years. Time will tell.

Perhaps a woman's prerogative, but a monarch's?

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

Scooby Doo — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:58:00 GMT

She's being credited with showing the newcomers the ropes. Apparrently she's the first point of contact and would need to go through her to get to the queen. I'm wondering if she is the person who told Meghan that it was not possible to help her when Meghan asked for help more than once.

Re: Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-in-Waiting

beckyb1012 — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:59:21 GMT

The Queen's sense of duty will bring her the strength needed to carry on until her own passing. I am happy she as people around her that feel that same sense of duty. Prince Philip did as well.