These Royals Did Strange and Surprising Behaviors Over the Centuries

You wont believe after reading this

Like kings and queens, Royals have sometimes done strange and unexpected things throughout history. These actions seem strange to us today, but they often had reasons and meanings that differed from what we might think.

One of the oddest things some royals have done is collecting unusual pets. For instance, King Louis XIV of France had a menagerie of exotic animals, including kangaroos and ostriches, in his palace gardens at Versailles. He loved to show off these exotic creatures to his courtiers, and it was a way to display his wealth and power.

Another strange royal behavior was the use of unusual beauty treatments. Queen Elizabeth I of England was known for her distinctive pale complexion, which was considered fashionable then. She used a cosmetic product called Venetian ceruse to achieve this look, which contained toxic lead. This dangerous makeup often caused skin problems, including hair loss and deterioration, but Elizabeth continued to use it for her appearance.

Some royals also engaged in strange choices. King Louis XVI of France had a love for extravagant wigs and clothing. His towering wigs, adorned with feathers and jewels, became known as “pouf” hairstyles. These elaborate fashion choices were not only cumbersome but also incredibly expensive.

Regarding bizarre eating habits, King Charles II of Spain is known for his strange dietary preferences. Due to generations of inbreeding among European royalty, Charles II suffered from numerous health problems, including a severely deformed jaw, which made it difficult for him to chew his food. To make eating easier, he preferred a soft, easily digestible diet like milk and eggs. His diet was unusual and reflected the physical toll of royal intermarriage.

Another unusual royal practice was the concept of “bedchamber politics.” This involved the idea that access to the king’s or queen’s bedchamber could grant significant influence over royal affairs. Courtiers and advisors would vie to be close to the monarch during intimate moments. This practice highlights the peculiar ways in which power and favor were sought in royal courts.

In addition to these peculiar behaviors, some royals also had peculiar hobbies. King George III of England was passionate about astronomy and spent many nights observing the stars through a telescope. This interest was unusual for a monarch of his time and reflected a personal fascination rather than a royal duty.

Furthermore, the eccentricities of royals extended to their living arrangements. King Ludwig II of Bavaria is infamous for constructing grand and fantastical castles, such as Neuschwanstein Castle. These elaborate structures were built with little regard for practicality or financial constraints, showcasing the eccentric tastes and extravagance of the royal. Royals have also been known for their peculiar marriages.

Queen Victoria of England and Prince Albert, her first cousin, shared a close and devoted relationship that was unusual even by the standards of their time. Their deep love and partnership defied the norms of arranged royal marriages, often more about politics and alliances.

Some royals also had superstitions and beliefs. King James I of England was known for his strong belief in witchcraft and even wrote a book called “Daemonologie.” His obsession with witches and witch hunts significantly impacted the witch trials in England during his reign.

In art and culture, royals have exhibited some unusual tastes. Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, was obsessed with her beauty and would spend hours each day maintaining her long hair, which reached down to her ankles. Her fixation on her appearance was seen as eccentric by her contemporaries.

Finally, some royals engaged in peculiar philanthropic endeavors. Queen Mary I of England was known for her efforts to suppress Protestantism and restore Catholicism to England. Her genuine commitment to this cause led to the persecution and execution of many Protestants, earning her the nickname “Bloody Mary.”

In conclusion royals have historically engaged in various peculiar behaviors, from collecting exotic pets to adopting unusual beauty treatments, extravagant fashion choices, and eccentric hobbies. These actions often reflect the unique circumstances and pressures of royal life and the personal quirks and idiosyncrasies of individual monarchs. While some of these behaviors may seem bizarre to us today, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and personalities of rulers from the past.

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