Why Camilla Parker Bowles Won't Have Ladies In Waiting Despite Queen Consort Title

Camilla Parker Bowles' new role as Queen Consort will come with plenty of responsibilities, but it will also come with less help when she carries out certain duties.

Unlike past queens who had ladies-in-waiting, the tradition will come to end amid the royal family's attempt to modernize the British monarchy.

The ladies-in-waiting were positions held by women from aristocratic families who acted as the queen's personal helpers.

However, the duties of the traditional role, which dates back to the middle ages, will be scaled back and undergo a name change.

The "Queen's Companions" will be a more occasional and informal position held by six women assistants.

Unlike ladies-in-waiting, the companions will no longer be involved with administration or correspondence, which means they won't be responsible for day-to-day planning or replying to letters.

However, they will still need to help the Queen Consort at public events. "The role of Queen's Companion will be to support The Queen Consort in some of her key official and State duties, in addition to her Private Secretary/Deputy Private Secretary," the palace said in a statement.

The Queen's Companions will not receive a salary, but their expenses will be covered. Camila has reportedly chosen six of her close friends to fill the position.

The companions will consist of the Marchioness of Lansdowne, Lady Katharine Brooke, Jane von Westenholz, Lady Sarah Keswick, Sarah Troughton, and Baroness Chisholm.

The ladies-in-waiting who served the late Queen Elizabeth will now be known as "ladies of the household" and assist King Charles with hosting events at Buckingham Palace.

The new "Queen's Companions" title featuring fewer duties will be implemented later this week when the Queen Consort hosts a reception for the Violence Against Women and Girls event at Buckingham Palace.