Such functions became less important over time, but provided proximity to the monarch; the holders were thus trusted confidants and often extremely powerful.
The offices were in the gift of The Crown and were originally sworn by Royal Warrant directed to the Lord Chamberlain.
This is an incomplete list of noblemen who have served as Lord of the Bedchamber and Gentleman of the Bedchamber: There were always several holders of the office, who were invariably gentlemen and almost invariably peers, often important ones, as the regular access to the monarch which the role brought was the most valuable commodity of the courtier.
[2] The duties of the office involved waiting on the King when he ate in private, helping him to dress, guarding the bedchamber and water closet, and providing companionship.
Following Edward's accession to the throne, Baron Suffield was gazetted as a "Lord in Waiting" to the King.