Who is Mehunefer from Sinuhe the Egyptian: A Novel and what is their importance?

Mehunefer is an old court widow. She is known as the "keeper of the needle case." After Queen Mother Taia's death, Mehunefer is summoned to perform the official mourning until her body can be moved for embalming. As Mehunefer performs, Sinuhe treats her to wine and complements. He then accompanies her to her room to continue coaxing information about Taia's practice of infanticide. Once he's gotten enough information, Sinuhe concludes that he is of the royal bloodline.