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. For instance, on 23 May 2011, when President Obama travelled to the UK from Ireland one day earlier than had originally been planned, he was greeted by the Lord in Waiting Viscount Brookeborough, who met him on behalf of the Queen.[1] 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. For example, Lord Janvrin who was, up until 2007, the Private Secretary to the Queen, was installed upon his retirement as a life Baron in the House of Lords and now serves as one of Her Majesty's Permanent Lords-in-Waiting.