Lord-in-Waiting

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Most Lords in Waiting (female Baroness in Waiting) are Government whips in the House of Lords who are members of the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. As members of the Royal Household their duties are nominal, though they are occasionally required to meet visiting political and state leaders on visits to the United Kingdom. As political appointees, the Sovereign appoints them on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

A number of non-political Lords in Waiting are also appointed, as well as Permanent Lords in Waiting, who are usually retired senior officials of the Royal Household. These, being non-political, are at the personal discretion of the Sovereign.