More on Queen's attendants

The Queen's attendants were often politicians's wives. New ladies-in-waiting were chosen whenever the government changed. However, in 1839 the Queen had refused to change her attendants when the new Tory Prime Minister was appointed.

This resulted in 'The Bedchamber Crisis'. Sir Robert Peel, the Tory Prime Minister, proposed alterations in the higher household appointments, but the Queen would make no changes. She considered it her right to appoint her own household. She had previously been surrounded by Whig, or liberal, politicians who were friends. These politicians supported her, criticising Peel for pressing his case too strongly. It resulted in Peel resigning.