Throughout history, royal females were often considered to be paragons of grace, beauty, and sophistication. However, behind the grandeur and elaborate gowns, some historical accounts suggest that the hygiene practices of these royal women were far from what we would expect today. In fact, the hygiene of royalty during certain periods was shockingly inadequate and downright disturbing. Let’s take a look at some of the most horrifying aspects of hygiene in royal courts that would make you cringe.
1. No Regular Bathing
In many royal courts, regular bathing was not a common practice, especially in medieval and Renaissance Europe. Despite their wealth and status, many royals, including women, did not bathe frequently. In fact, it was often believed that water could open the pores and allow diseases to enter the body. As a result, royal women would often go weeks, sometimes even months, without bathing. Instead, they relied on perfumes, powders, and scented oils to mask body odor.
2. The Perfumed Lady: Overuse of Fragrances
With a lack of proper bathing, royal women turned to perfumes and scented oils in an attempt to mask their body odor. However, these fragrances were not always effective. The perfumes used were often overpowering, sometimes made from animal fats, and were frequently laced with toxic substances like mercury. These heavy scents would combine with the stench of unwashed bodies, creating an unpleasant mix that could be overwhelming to those nearby.
3. Tooth Hygiene (or Lack Thereof)
Tooth hygiene among royal females was practically non-existent by modern standards. Toothbrushes and toothpaste, as we know them today, didn’t exist, and many royals didn’t use any form of dental care. Some royal women used rags or twigs to try and clean their teeth, but these were not nearly as effective as modern methods. As a result, dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath were widespread among royals. The use of sweeteners like honey in their food only worsened the problem, promoting further tooth decay.
4. Excessive Hair Maintenance (with Unsanitary Tools)
Royal women often had long, luxurious hair, but they had little to no access to proper hair care products. In some cases, they used lard, animal fats, or even urine to condition their hair. Combs and brushes were often shared among multiple women, which could spread lice and other scalp diseases. Lice infestations were common in royal courts, despite the outward appearance of cleanliness.
5. Unhygienic Period Practices
Women in royal courts, just like those in the general population, faced the challenge of menstruation. However, historical records show that royal women often did not have the luxury of sanitary products like we do today. Instead, they used cloth rags or absorbent materials that were washed and reused. This led to unsanitary conditions and a greater risk of infections or unpleasant odors. In some cases, royal women would even wear elaborate dresses and gowns that could conceal any evidence of menstruation, which made it difficult to maintain hygiene.
6. The “Royal” Toilet: No Privacy
Privacy was not a luxury enjoyed by many royal women, even when it came to personal hygiene. For example, in the French court, women were often expected to attend to bodily functions in full view of others. The royal toilet could be a simple chamber pot or a public latrine, and many women would often relieve themselves in the presence of attendants or even other court members. This lack of privacy could lead to awkward situations and unhygienic conditions.
7. Hair Wigs and Other Unhygienic Accessories
During certain periods, royal women wore elaborate wigs made from human or animal hair, which were often infested with lice and other parasites. These wigs were rarely washed or maintained in hygienic conditions, making them breeding grounds for bacteria and pests. Wigs, along with the heavy application of makeup and powdered faces, contributed to the perpetuation of poor hygiene in royal circles.
8. The Plague of Bloodletting
While not directly related to hygiene, one shocking aspect of medieval and early modern royal female health practices was bloodletting. It was a common (and ultimately dangerous) treatment for everything from headaches to fevers. This practice, which involved draining blood from the body to “balance the humors,” was often done without sterilized tools. In some cases, the same instruments were reused, putting royal women at risk for infections and other complications.