What Exactly Is a Lady-in-Waiting? ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Explains the Prestigious Royal Role

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The iconic Netflix show Bridgerton has finally released Season 4 Part 1 in January 2026, bringing viewers back into the glittering world of Regency-era high society. While the new season introduces major shifts—including Benedict Bridgerton unexpectedly searching for a wife—it also shines a spotlight on a fascinating aspect of royal life that many viewers may find themselves curious about: the role of the lady-in-waiting.

As Queen Charlotte prepares for conflict with Lady Danbury over a deeply personal matter, the concept of ladies-in-waiting emerges as central to the plot. Lady Danbury wants the freedom to travel, including to her ancestral homeland, but Queen Charlotte will not allow this unless a worthy new lady-in-waiting is appointed. This royal standoff raises an important question for viewers: what exactly does this prestigious position entail?

Understanding the Lady-in-Waiting Role

According to Britannica, a “lady-in-waiting, in European history, (is) a woman of noble birth who serves a female monarch...