The daily lives of kings, queens, princesses, and princes a few hundred years ago were far from the romanticized portrayals seen in movies.
The Truth About Royal Life in the Middle Ages
- 1. Kings and queens were never alone
- 2. Queens were confined to their bedrooms before giving birth
- 3. Royals constantly moved between palaces
- 4. Royal laundry was a difficult and complex task
- 5. Elaborate hairstyles were not just for beauty
- 6. Wearing elaborate headgear required special skills
- 7. Bathing was considered a “torture”
Films, fairy tales, and historical novels have created a rosy image of life in European royal courts during the Middle Ages. But what was the reality of Western royalty several centuries ago? Below are some interesting facts that are certainly not “rosy” and might surprise you:
1. Kings and queens were never alone
The bedroom of the king and queen was always monitored by attendants.
Kings and queens never spent time alone, even in their private bedrooms. There would always be attendants present, sleeping in the room and observing their every move. The bedroom doors were almost never fully closed. The first queen to demand privacy for herself was Queen Victoria of England. With someone always at their side, it was nearly impossible for monarchs to keep any secrets from those around them.
2. Queens were confined to their bedrooms before giving birth
The childbirth process for nobles in the past was accompanied by numerous rituals. The primary duty of a queen was to bear an heir for her husband and the kingdom. As a result, the health of both spouses, their meetings, and their relationships were closely monitored by court officials, with even a designated official documenting every detail.
During the Tudor period in England, queens were “locked” in their bedrooms for an extended period before giving birth, remaining there until the child was born. All windows in the room were covered with drapes, and no man was allowed to enter until the baby arrived.
The French court had different traditions. When Queen Marie Antoinette gave birth to her first child, historical accounts described the birthing room as “a grand performance.” Besides the king, dozens of others were present in the room, including men who witnessed the queen giving birth.
3. Royals constantly moved between palaces
Typically, kings and queens owned multiple palaces and castles…
The royal court could have hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people. This massive entourage was always with the king, no matter where he went. Generally, kings and queens owned several palaces and castles, constantly moving between residences rather than living in one fixed location. Queen Elizabeth I of England often “changed homes” every few weeks.
However, this mobility was not due to a preference for change or security reasons. Monarchs had to relocate frequently because they could not tolerate unpleasant odors. In ancient times, the sewage systems were rudimentary. After a few weeks of use, the stench would become unbearable, forcing kings, queens, princes, and princesses to move to another palace and wait for their original residence to be cleaned.
4. Royal laundry was a difficult and complex task
Most royal garments had a lining made of linen for easier washing.
Before the advent of washing machines and detergents, cleaning clothes in the Middle Ages was quite challenging. Nevertheless, royalty always demanded cleanliness and order. Each king had a laundry attendant responsible for the condition of their bed linens.
Royal garments were often cleaned with brushes, scrubbed with white bread, and stains treated with natural materials. Most outfits had linen linings for easier washing. To eliminate odors, garments were dried on rosemary bushes and lavender. Personal laundresses held a powerful position and often knew many secrets of the monarchs.
5. Elaborate hairstyles were not just for beauty
In the 18th century, Queen Marie Antoinette of France initiated a new hairstyle trend called poufs. This hairstyle required women to style their hair high with complex arrangements adorned with flowers, feathers, and jewelry. Not only did it take time and effort, but this hairstyle was also expensive. However, ladies were compelled to adopt this style daily, not merely for beauty. These hairstyles had specific meanings and allowed women to express their opinions on certain events that societal norms would not permit them to voice.
Marie Antoinette created a unique hairstyle to commemorate her husband, King Louis XVI, receiving a smallpox vaccination. At the time, vaccinations were considered dangerous. With the help of her elaborate hairstyle, Marie Antoinette expressed her personal views on this medical procedure. The popularity of her hairstyle encouraged the French public to embrace the “dangerous” vaccination.
6. Wearing elaborate headgear required special skills
Hennin is one of the most popular types of headgear in medieval Europe.
Hennin was one of the most popular types of headgear in medieval Europe. Even at that time, it was a mandatory part of festival attire for princesses. These hats were often made of linen and covered with silk. A special ring was attached to the front of the hat to secure or hold the hennin in place during strong winds.
Keeping this hat in place was not easy; it required the help of hair pinned into the hat or special hoops worn on the ears. In most cases, the wearer found it challenging to move while donning a hennin.
7. Bathing was considered a “torture”
Many people know that noblewomen of the past often bathed while still wearing their undergarments. However, some were even more elaborate. Queen Caroline, wife of King George II of England, not only bathed fully clothed but also had her bathtub covered with linen sheets to create a steaming effect and prevent her from catching a cold. Maids were tasked with carefully cleaning her with flannel cloths, using soap and mare’s milk.
After bathing, Caroline would change out of her clothes into a wool nightgown and be placed in a pre-heated bed. Some monarchs even had their beds set up in the bathroom to avoid getting cold or catching a chill after bathing.
