Lord of the Bedchamber
A Lord of the Bedchamber, previously known as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, was a courtier in the Royal Household of the King of the United Kingdom and the Prince of Wales. A Gentleman of the Bedchamber's duties originally consisted of assisting the King with his dressing, waiting on him when he ate in private, guarding access to him in his bedchamber and closet and providing companionship. The offices were in the gift of The Crown and were originally sworn by Royal Warrant directed to the Lord Chamberlain. From 1660, the first Lord of the Bedchamber was Groom of the Stool.
This is an incomplete list of noblemen who have served as Lord of the Bedchamber:
Lords of the Bedchamber to Prince Albert (1840–1861)
- 1840–1861: Lord John Lennox
Lords of the Bedchamber to Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII (1866–1901)
- 1866–1883: James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn
- 1872–1901: Charles Harbord, 5th Baron Suffield
Following Edward's accession to the throne, Baron Suffield was gazetted as a "Lord in Waiting" to the King.
Lords of the Bedchamber to George, Prince of Wales (1901–1910), later King George V (1901–1910)
- 1901–?:[1] Beilby Lawley, 3rd Baron Wenlock
- 1901–1907:[2] Charles Cavendish, 3rd Baron Chesham
- 1908–1910:[3] Luke White, 3rd Baron Annaly
Following George's accession to the throne, Baron Annaly was initially gazetted as "Lord of the Bedchamber in Waiting" to the king;[4] but was subsequently referred to as "Lord in Waiting".
See also
- Gentleman of the Bedchamber (title in earlier centuries)
- Lady of the Bedchamber (equivalent position in the time of a Queen regnant)