Do names like Sabé, Dormé, and Cordé sound familiar? These are just a few of Queen Amidala’s handmaidens, who play small yet pivotal roles in the Prequel Trilogy. But just who are all of Padmé’s handmaidens?
First appearing in 1999’s The Phantom Menace, the Naboo Royal Handmaidens served as attendants of sorts to the Queen. They acted as her spies, bodyguards, confidants, and even her decoys, risking their lives to protect the woman they served.
Others served while she was a Senator, with many remaining loyal to her long after her death.
So far, we know of 13 handmaidens who served Padmé while she was Queen of Naboo or as the Senator from Naboo in the Congress of the Republic.
Their quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and unshakable bond with Padmé made them an essential part of her legacy. Let’s explore who they are, where they appear in Star Wars, and the actors that played each of Padmé’s handmaidens.
Who Are the Royal Handmaidens of Naboo?
The handmaidens were a cultural institution unique to the royal court of Naboo. Traditionally, handmaidens served the elected monarch as ceremonial aides, helping them with their clothing, hair, and makeup. Some were confidants, friends, and advisors.
Over time, their roles evolved into something far more strategic and essential. They became body doubles and decoys for the Queen. However, the role of the handmaidens eventually faded away.
That is, until Padmé Amidala was elected.
Her head of security, Captain Quarsh Panaka, revived the program with the intent of choosing just one handmaiden. Ultimately, five were chosen to serve Amidala while she was Queen of Naboo.
Each was carefully selected for their loyalty, intelligence, and discretion. They underwent rigorous training in diplomacy, linguistics, self-defense, and covert operations.
Several were trained to impersonate the Queen herself, going so far as to develop and perfect the same pattern of speech. Ever wonder why Padmé has such a distinctive, and somewhat monotone voice? That’s why.
The Naboo Royal Handmaidens were integral to Padmé’s reign, allowing her to carry out diplomatic and resistance efforts while maintaining her security. The result was a sisterhood of shadows, skilled operatives who played critical roles in shaping Naboo’s political landscape and the broader galactic conflict.
Following her two terms as Queen, Padmé was appointed to the Galactic Senate by her successor, Queen Jamillia. With her handmaidens eager to move on with their lives, new candidates were selected to serve her on Coruscant.
They continued to serve her until her death in 19 BBY.
How Many Handmaidens Served Padmé Amidala?
As far as we know, Padmé had 13 handmaidens. Five served her during her two terms as the Queen of Naboo. Another eight served her while she was in the Galactic Senate.
| Name | Period Served | Appears In | Portrayed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabé | Queen | The Phantom Menace, the Queen’s trilogy, and Darth Vader (2020) | Keira Knightley |
| Rabé | Queen | The Phantom Menace,the Queen’s trilogy, and Darth Vader (2020) | Cristina da Silva |
| Saché | Queen | The Phantom Menace,the Queen’s trilogy, and Darth Vader (2020) | Sofia Coppola |
| Yané | Queen | The Phantom Menace,the Queen’s trilogy, and Darth Vader (2020) | Candice Orwell |
| Eirtaé | Queen | The Phantom Menace,the Queen’s trilogy, and Darth Vader (2020) | Friday “Liz” Wilson |
| Dormé | Senator | Attack of the Clones, Queen’s Shadow, and Queen’s Hope | Rose Byrne |
| Cordé | Senator | Attack of the Clones and Queen’s Shadow | Veronica Segura |
| Versé | Senator | Attack of the Clones and Queen’s Shadow | Avril Wynne |
| Karté | Senator | Forces of Destiny | – |
| Teckla Minnau | Senator | Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars | Natalie Lewis (AOTC), Ashley Moynihan (TCW), Anna Graves (TCW) |
| Duju | Senator | Thrawn: Alliances | – |
| Ellé | Senator | Revenge of the Sith and Queen’s Hope | Chantal Freer |
| Moteé | Senator | Revenge of the Sith and Queen’s Hope | Kristy Wright |
The Handmaidens of Queen Amidala
Elected at the age of 14, Padmé was surrounded by a core group of five handmaidens: Sabé, Rabé, Saché, Yané, and Eiraté.
Though often silent in the films, these handmaidens were vital to the Queen’s political strategies and survival during the Invasion of Naboo.
The Handmaidens of Senator Padmé Amidala
After her term as Queen ended, Padmé continued to serve Naboo as a Galactic Senator.
Captain Gregar Typho, Panaka’s nephew, took charge of Padmé’s security, recruiting a new group of handmaidens to support her.
Though no longer needing decoys in the same way, her handmaidens remained an integral part of her life, particularly as the galaxy descended into war.
The initial group of handmaidens included Dormé, Cordé, and Versé. Karté, Teckla Minnau, Duja, Ellé, and Moteé later served Padmé during the Clone Wars before the fall of the Republic.
These women accompanied Padmé through the darkening days of the Republic, witnessing the collapse of democracy and the rise of the Empire.
Other Handmaidens from Canon and Legends
Seven other handmaidens are identified in both canon and Star Wars Legends: Hollé, Miré, Umé, Fé, Dané, Altah, and Jaanie.
Several might have been associated with Padmé, while others worked with other Queens of Naboo.
The Legacy of Padmé’s Handmaidens
Even after Padmé’s tragic death, her handmaidens remained devoted to her memory. In both canon and Legends materials, several continue to serve Naboo or resist the Empire in her honor.
Sabé, in particular, becomes a major figure in post-Revenge of the Sith canon. She uncovers the truth about Darth Vader’s connection to Padmé and investigates the circumstances of her death, risking everything to honor the woman she once pretended to be.
Their legacy is a testament to loyalty, courage, and sisterhood. Though often in the background, the Royal Handmaidens of Naboo were some of the most quietly influential figures in Padmé’s story—and in the fate of the galaxy.
Who Are Padmé’s Handmaidens?
Here is a detailed breakdown of the handmaidens who served Padmé in Star Wars, when they first appeared, and what happened to them.
Sabé
Born Tsabin, Sabé was Padmé’s primary decoy while serving as queen. She also played an important role in developing the queen’s voice and nonverbal communication system to enhance their deception.
When Padmé left for the Senate, Sabé went to Tatooine to help free slaves. She was also looking for Anakin Skywalker’s mother, Shmi.
After Padmé’s death, Sabé led the Amidalians, a resistance cell dedicated to avenging her and opposing the Empire.
In her search to determine Padmé’s fate, she eventually uncovered Darth Vader. Vader himself was trying to learn the truth about his wife.
Holding to Padmé’s belief that there was still good in him, the two worked together for a time. Vader began to see her as a surrogate for Padmé, going so far as to envision a future with her.
Sabé almost agreed to join Vader, going so far as to turn against the Amidalians and her other handmaidens. In the end, she ultimately rejected him and his dark path.
She was played by Keira Knightley in 1999’s The Phantom Menace. During the film’s marketing release, her role was not disclosed to ensure the decoy queen plot remained a secret.
The character also appears in E. K. Johnston’s Queen’s trilogy of novels, which expands on Amidala’s life between The Phantom Menace and Revenge of the Sith.
Sabé returns for several arcs of Greg Pak’s 2020 comic book series Star Wars: Darth Vader, which takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Rabé
Born Rabene Tonsort, Rabé was a talented but rebellious art student. After getting caught while running an art forgery ring, she was recruited by Panaka to serve as a handmaiden to Queen Amidala.
As wardrobe mistress, she served alongside Padmé through both terms as Queen. Following Amidala’s retirement, Rabé pursued her passion for music, studying at an academy in Theed.
By 22 BBY, she had begun using the name Rabé Tonsort. Later, she was a member of the Amidalans organization.
Brazilian actress Cristina da Silva portrayed Rabé in The Phantom Menace. She appeared in E.K. Johnston’s 2019 novel Queen’s Shadow and the 2020 prequel Queen’s Peril. She appeared only briefly in a hologram in Johnston’s subsequent 2022 sequel, Queen’s Hope.
Rabé also appeared in the Star Wars: Darth Vader comic series by Greg Pak.
Saché
Recruited by age twelve, Sashah Adova was a clever and observant actor. Taking the name Saché, she primarily handled communications.
Part of the diversion to allow Padmé to escape the Trade Federation, she was eventually captured, tortured, and held in one of the many prison camps on the planet.
Along with fellow handmaiden Yané, she helped organize an information network, even successfully passing a coded message through Sio Bibble, letting Padmé know they were alive.
During her time in captivity, she began a relationship with Yané. They went on to get married following Amidala’s reign.
Saché ran for and was elected to Naboo’s Planetary Legislative Assembly. Along with Yané, she also fostered war orphans.
She was expected to succeed Bibble as planetary governor before the fall of the Republic. However, the Empire chose Quarsh Panaka instead, installing him as Moff of the system.
Like many of the handmaidens, she joined the Amidalians and worked to uncover Padmé’s fate.
Sofia Coppola played Saché in The Phantom Menace. Writer and director George Lucas was a close family friend to the young Coppola, who originally asked if she could observe him on set. She was preparing for her directorial debut, The Virgin Suicides, at the time.
The character also appeared in E.K. Johnston’s Queen’s trilogy, as well as Greg Pak’s Star Wars: Darth Vader comic series.
Yané
Serving as the seamstress for the handmaidens, she was born Suyan Higin. Taking the name Yané, she developed special fabrics that were functional and added additional protection and armor.
She was also the liaison with the palace staff, working behind the scenes to keep things moving smoothly.
Yané was captured during the Trade Federation blockage, developing a relationship with fellow handmaiden Saché while they were held in prison camps.
The two married in 24 BBY, two years before the onset of the Clone Wars. They retired to a country home, raising many foster children
Around 22 BBY, she made Padmé’s wedding dress and was among the few who knew about the former queen’s marriage to the Jedi Anakin Skywalker.
Yané appeared in The Phantom Menace, played by Candice Orwell. Like most of the other original handmaidens, she also appears in the Queen’s series by E.K. Johnston and Star Wars: Darth Vader by Greg Pak.
Eirtaé
Almost overlooked because of her blonde hair, Eirtama Ballory took the name Eirtaé and worked as Amidala’s communication expert. Also a designer, she improved the comfort of the Queen’s wardrobe.
She fled with Padmé during the occupation, traveling to Tatooine and Coruscant before fighting in the liberation efforts during the Battle of Naboo.
Eirtaé pursued art and engineering following Amidala’s reign and, later, joined the Amidalians.
Friday “Liz” Wilson played the character in The Phantom Menace. Eirtaé also appeared in E.K. Johnston’s Queen’s trilogy and Greg Pak’s Star Wars: Darth Vader comics.
Dormé
Born Dorra and recruited out of the Naboo Security Academy by Gregar Typho, Dormé became Padmé’s most trusted aide and confidant during her time as senator. She also served as wardrobe mistress.
Dormé witnessed the assassination attempt that killed fellow handmaidens Cordé and Versé. She went on to support Padmé during the subsequent meetings with Chancellor Palpatine.
While she helped coordinate Padmé’s return to Naboo with Anakin Skywalker, she remained on Coruscant to manage the senatorial affairs.
Her dedication and calm under pressure made her a key figure during Padmé’s Senate years and the beginning of the Clone Wars.
For a time during the Clone Wars, Dormé returned to Naboo to spend time with her family. Anakain assigned his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, to Padmé’s protection detail during this time.
Dormé rejoined Padmé for a mission to Clabron with fellow handmaiden Moteé. While Moteé was wounded, they were able to capture assassin Lis Mohles.
Following Padmé’s death in 19 BBY, Dormé attended her funeral in Theed. She may have even helped alter Padmé’s appearance to keep the birth of her children a secret.
Like many other handmaidens, she also joined the Amidalans resistance group, continuing to honor Padmé’s legacy and oppose the Empire.
Rose Byrne played Dormé in Attack of the Clones. The character appeared in two novels of Johnston’s Queen’s trilogy, the first and third books, Queen’s Shadow and Queen’s Hope. She also appeared in several issues of the Pak’s Darth Vader comics.
Cordé
Originally named Cordyn, she was initially considered to serve as a handmaiden when Padmé was queen.
Despite closely resembling Amidala, she was rejected due to her poor combat skills. She eventually became a handmaiden when Amidala was appointed to the Senate, taking the name Cordé.
She was killed in an assassination attempt by bounty hunter Zam Wesell. Wesell was working for Jango Fett, who in turn was an agent of Separatist leader and Sith apprentice Count Dooku.
Cordé was played by Veronica Segura in Attack of the Clones, with Natalie Portman and an unknown stunt actor portraying the character while aboard the shuttle.
The character also appears in the Queen’s Shadow novel and is mentioned directly and indirectly in other Star Wars media.
Versé
An expert slicer, Versé served as a handmaiden during Padmé’s time in the Galactic Senate. Versé was one of the three handmaidens
Born Versaat, she was the neice of Mariek Panaka, the wife of Captain Quarsh Panaka.
She protected Amidala during an assassination attempt shortly after Padmé became a senator.
Several years later, she was killed along with Cordé in another attempt on Padmé’s life.
Although barely visible due to their cloak and hood, Avril Wynne portrayed the role in Attack of the Clones.
E.K. Johnston included Versé in the Queen’s Shadow novel, introducing a new dimension for the character. For a time, Johnston even considered making the character transgendered, however, this did not make it into the final draft.
Karté
Little is known about the handmaiden Karté. Shape-shifting bounty hunter Cato Parasitti impersonated her sometime during the Clone Wars.
It is eventually revealed that Parasitti had captured Karté, taking her robes to gain access to Padmé and sabotage her negotiations with the Arthurians.
Karté appears in the Forces of Destiny episode “The Imposter Inside.”
The subsequent canon, one-shot IDW Publishing comic Forces of Destiny—Ahsoka & Padmé, written by Beth Revis and illustrated by Valentina Pinto, expands slightly on details surrounding the character.
Teckla Minnau
Teckla Minnau was a loyal handmaiden and aide to Senator Padmé Amidala. She was present on Naboo with Padmé and Anakin before the Battle of Geonosis.
Later, she shared a story about the hardships her parents faced on Naboo because of the Clone Wars. Amidala told Teckla’s story on the Senate floor, using it as an example of how the excessive military spending was impacting everyday people across the galaxy.
Towards the end of the Clone Wars, Minnau accompanied Padmé to a meeting with the Banking Clan on Scipio. An old acquaintance, Senator Rush Clovis, told Amidala that the clan might be embezzling funds.
Ultimately, Teckla was killed by bounty hunter Embo while trying to expose the Bakining Clan’s scheme.
Minnau first appeared in Attack of the Clones, played by Natalie Lewis, through a retcon.
One of many Star Wars recasts, she later appeared in The Clone Wars episodes “Pursuit of Peace,” voiced by Ashley Moynihan, and “An Old Friend,” voiced by Anna Graves.
Duja
Although it is unclear how and when she was recruited, Duja served as a handmaiden during the Clone Wars.
Padmé sent them on a mission investigating a potential Separatist droid factory on Mokivj. Duja is killed in the course of the investigation.
To date, Duja only appears in Timothy Zahn’s 2018 novel Thrawn: Alliances.
Ellé
Along with Moteé, she was recruited following the deaths of Cordé and Versé.
Unlike most of Padmé’s other handmaidens, who worked as decoys, spies, and confidants, she filled a more traditional role.
That said, it seems likely that Ellé knows about Padmé and Anakin’s marriage and potentially the pregnancy.
Australian actor Chantal Freer plays Ellé in a deleted scene from Episode III. The character also appears in Queen’s Hope.
Moteé
As with Ellé, Moteé became a handmaiden sometime following Cordé and Versé’s deaths on Coruscant. She also served a more traditional role as a Senatorial aide to Padmé.
She was included on a diplomatic mission to Clabron, where she was wounded. As a result, Moteé did discover that the senator was secretly married to Jedi Anakin Skywalker. While she disapproved, she seemingly kept it confidential.
Later, she attended a Senate meeting where Palpatine reorganized the Republic into the first Galactic Empire.
Kristy Wright, an Australian actor, played the role in Revenge of the Sith. The character also appears in the Queen’s Hope novel.
Other Handmaidens in Star Wars
While the 13 handmaidens above definitively account for Padmé’s closest allies and confidants, seven other handmaidens appear in other canon and Legends stories.
Potential Handmaidens to Padmé Amidala
Canonically, there are three other handmaidens connected to Padmé: Hollé, Miré, and Umé.
Based on their names, they were presumably assigned to Amidala at the time of her death. However, this has yet to be been confirmed.
Hollé and Umé appear during her funeral on Naboo in Revenge of the Sith. However, they could be working for Queen Apailana, the current reigning queen.
Miré is depicted in the 2017 reference book, Star Wars: The Visual Encyclopedia. Again, the implication is that they were assigned to Padmé.
Handmaidens in Star Wars Legends
Fé, Dané, Altah, and Jaanie all appeared as handmaidens in Star Wars Legends.
Fé was present at the celebration at the end of The Phantom Menace. Actor Fay David served as a stand-in for a handmaiden during pickup shots for the film.
The Star Wars Databank originally considered her a separate character. Later revisions to canon have seemingly erased her as a continuity error.
Dané appears in the adventure game Star Wars: Invasion of Theed.
Altah and Jaanie appear as handmaidens of Queen Kylantha, the queen who succeeds Queen Apailana from Revenge of the Sith, in Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided.
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