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Handmaidens | Padme Naberrie | Queen Amidala | Captain Panaka

Handmaidens to Queen Amidala

Amidala has five handmaidens: Rabe, Eirtae, Sabe, Sache and Yane.

Dedicated and low-key, the royal handmaidens shadow Queen Amidala at all times. This select group maintains Amidala's regal image, assisting behind the scenes with elaborate make-up, dresses, hairstyles. They also quietly protect Amidala, acting as secret bodyguards. Upon Amidala's coronation, the handmaidens were picked for their intelligence, courage and resemblance to the Queen. The Queen values their company, and has become especially good friends with the dependable cool-headed Sabe.

 Rabe

In spite of her young age, Rabe has learnt to exercise great patience in her role as handmaiden to the Queen. She soothes the Queens nerves and helps to prepare her exotic hairstyles, which can require several hours to perfect.

Sabe

The most important handmaiden is Sabe. First in line to become the royal decoy in times of danger, she dresses as the queen and hides her features with white makeup. Amidala has coached her  in regal bearing and speech. Even so, she plays the role with apprehension, concerned that a subtle slip will give her sovereign away.

Eirtae

Handmaiden Eirtae comes from a town in a remote river valley. Her family was wealthy and she was taught the demands of etiquette, She helps the other handmaidens- and sometimes the queen- with royal protocal.

Padme Naberrie

played by Natalie Portman

Whenever the Queen is exposed to danger, she disguises herself as one of her own handmaidens, taking the name Padme Naberrie. the identical hooded dresses and similar appearance of Amidala's handmaidens make it easy to appear and disappear quietly from the group. When Padme is among the attendants, handmaiden Sabe impersonates the Queen subtly taking signals from Padme regarding royal decisions. Captain Panaka is behind the creation of Amidala's double identity, having explained the old Palace sheme to her upon her coronation. In her guise as Padme, Amidala accompanies Qui-Gon Jinn to Mos Espa to see for herself what the Jedi is up to.

The removal of the face-paint is the key to Amidala's disguise as Padme. Padme and Sabe play a game of indirect communication in private; which makes it easier for Padme to guide Sabe's actions as Queen. The handmaidens (and Padme) carry versions of the royal pistol. It is designed for practical use and concealment.

See Queen Amidala

Queen Amidala

played by Natalie Portman

Amidala rules as Queen of the Naboo people at the age of only 14. She was raised by humble parents in a small mountain village, where her exceptional abilities were recognized early in life. Given the best training and pushed to develop her capabilities she became Princess of Theed, the Naboo capital city, at the age of 12. Amidala was elected Queen upon the abdication of the previous sovereign, Veruna who had become embroiled in outworld politics after a rule of 13 years. The Naboo trusted that Amidala would hold their interests close to her heart- but had no idea of the crisis looming ahead.

Captain Panaka

As Head of Security of Queen Amidala, Captain Panaka oversees every branch of the volunteer Royal Naboo Security Forces and is personally responsible for the Queen's safety. Panaka was appointed after his predecessor Captain Magenta, failed to prevent the death of the former King Veruna, who had gone into hiding upon his abdication. Veruna's "accidental" death was covered up - even by the Queen- and Magenta quietly resigned.

Panaka sees the increasingly dangerous state of affairs in the galaxy and argues  for stronger security measures to protect the Queen and Naboo itself. Despite this the Advisory Council convinces Amidala to act in accordance with Naboo's traditional pacifism. Panaka foresees the outcome of this noble policy, but it takes the terror of invasion to bring home this point.

Captain Panaka gained combat experience in a Republic Special Task force fighting against space pirates in the sector containing the Naboo system.

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