Lady in Waiting: A lady of a royal court appointed to serve or attend a Queen, Princess, or high ranking noblewoman. A Lady in Waiting was not quite a servant. Ladies in Waiting were considered 'noble companions' who, by their status and nobility, could better advise a woman of high station.
The Lady in Waiting was an important member of the royal court and played an active role in participating with court entertainments, such as masques, dance and musical entertainment. The Ladies in Waiting were selected from high ranking and noble families. The Lady in Waiting played an important role in the history of England. Many Ladies in Waiting became the mistresses of the King or the highest ranking nobles of England. The most famous Ladies in Waiting in English history were:
Mary Boleyn - Lady in Waiting to Queen Katherine of Aragon and became the mistress of King Henry VIII. Her role as the King's mistress was then taken by another Lady in Waiting - her sister Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn - Lady in Waiting to Queen Katherine of Aragon. Anne Boleyn replaced Katherine of Aragon and married King Henry VIII - this important lady in Waiting was the mother of Queen Elizabeth I
Jane Seymour - Lady in Waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn. Jane Seymour replaced Anne Boleyn and married King Henry VIII - this important lady in Waiting was the mother of King Edward VI
Catherine Howard - Lady in Waiting to Anne of Cleves. Catherine Howard married King Henry VIII - and was executed for treason and adultery
Jane Rochford - Lady in Waiting to Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. This vicious woman was instrumental in the bringing about the execution by beheading of these two young queens
The history of England was changed forever by these famous ladies in waiting and illustrates the importance of the Lady in Waiting in royal court circles.
Sounds almost like an elite club, huh?
The two women at the top are Ladies in Waiting. They have been so for a number of years and are comfortable and happy in their life at Court. They enjoy priviledge as the ladies closest to the Queen. Among themselves they also have a heirarchy, and the one in the center is alpha. To the left is her #1 disciple, wannabe, and so called "best friend". She looks quite satisfied with herself, like she just took a big fat juicy secret...
The girl at the bottom is younger. She is the daughter of an Earl, who has secured a spot in the Queen's chambers for her. She must take her place among the ladies now. She is nervous, but you can also see on her face that she is confident and serene.
What position will she take in her circles? Will she become a loyal and true friend to the Queen and those around her? Or will she be a foolish, mean spirited gossip? Or is she a Baby Anne Boleyn, with a plan,,,,
The card speaks to me about social situation, society, taking your place in the world and among the worlds inhabitants. How will you treat others? What do you aspire to do? How will you conduct yourself in life?