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Top 10 Unusual Facts About Famous Kings and Queens
Throughout history, kings and queens have commanded armies, shaped nations, and left indelible marks on civilization. While their grand achievements are well-documented in history books, many monarchs harbored peculiar habits, surprising talents, and bizarre characteristics that rarely make it into mainstream historical narratives. These unusual facts reveal the human side of royalty, reminding us that even those who wore crowns were subject to the same quirks, obsessions, and eccentricities as ordinary people. Here are ten fascinating and unusual facts about some of history’s most famous monarchs.
1. King Henry VIII Wrote Love Songs and Owned 78 Bathrooms
The notorious English king, famous for his six marriages and the establishment of the Church of England, was also an accomplished musician and composer. Henry VIII wrote the song “Greensleeves,” though this attribution is disputed by some historians. What is certain, however, is that he was passionate about music and played several instruments. Perhaps even more unusual was his obsession with hygiene, which was remarkable for the 16th century. His palace at Hampton Court boasted an astounding 78 bathrooms, an unprecedented luxury for the era when most nobles rarely bathed at all.
2. Queen Victoria Survived Eight Assassination Attempts
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch until Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her record was remarkably resilient in the face of danger. Throughout her 63-year reign, Queen Victoria survived no fewer than eight assassination attempts. The first occurred in 1840, just three years into her reign, when Edward Oxford fired two pistols at her carriage. Rather than becoming fearful, Victoria became increasingly stoic about these threats, even insisting on maintaining her public schedule immediately after attacks. Her courage in the face of danger actually increased her popularity among the British people.
3. King Louis XIV Only Bathed Three Times in His Entire Life
The Sun King, who ruled France for an astonishing 72 years, had a peculiar aversion to bathing. According to historical records, Louis XIV bathed only three times during his lifetime, as he believed water could transmit disease into the body. Instead of bathing, he would change his shirts multiple times daily and apply heavy perfumes and powders. This practice was not unusual for the time, but Louis XIV took it to an extreme. His elaborate grooming ritual, called the “Grand Lever,” was a ceremonial morning routine that could last up to two hours but notably did not involve water.
4. Queen Elizabeth I Owned Over 2,000 Pairs of Gloves
The Virgin Queen had an extraordinary obsession with gloves, amassing a collection of more than 2,000 pairs during her reign. Elizabeth I considered gloves an essential fashion accessory and owned them in every conceivable style, color, and material, including silk, velvet, and leather, often embroidered with gold and silver thread and encrusted with jewels. She received gloves as gifts from courtiers who knew of her passion, and she wore different pairs to match every outfit. This fixation was partly due to gloves being a symbol of status and refinement in Elizabethan England.
5. King George III Talked to Trees
The British monarch who lost the American colonies suffered from what modern historians believe was porphyria, a genetic blood disorder that can cause mental disturbances. During his illness episodes, George III exhibited bizarre behavior, including lengthy conversations with trees, believing he was talking to the King of Prussia. He would also speak for hours without pause, sometimes until foam came from his mouth. These episodes led to his son serving as Prince Regent, but between attacks, George III was often completely lucid and able to resume his duties.
6. Catherine the Great Commissioned Erotic Furniture
The powerful Russian Empress, known for expanding the Russian Empire and promoting Enlightenment ideals, had a scandalous secret. Catherine the Great commissioned furniture decorated with explicit erotic imagery for a private room in her palace. When the Communist government discovered this furniture in the 20th century, they locked it away in a storage facility. While rumors about her personal life were often exaggerated by her enemies, this unusual collection demonstrates that the Empress enjoyed shocking conventionality in her private quarters.
7. King Christian VII of Denmark Slapped People for Entertainment
The Danish king, who ruled from 1766 to 1808, suffered from severe mental illness and exhibited extremely strange behavior. One of his peculiar habits was running through the royal palace slapping people’s faces, including courtiers and nobles, apparently finding it amusing. He would also jump over furniture and smash objects for no apparent reason. His condition was so severe that his physician, Johann Friedrich Struensee, eventually took control of the government, implementing sweeping reforms before being executed for his relationship with the queen.
8. Queen Christina of Sweden Slept Only Three Hours Per Night
The brilliant and eccentric Swedish queen required remarkably little sleep, typically resting only three hours each night. Christina used her waking hours to pursue intellectual interests, hosting philosophers like René Descartes at her court and amassing an impressive library. She was known for her masculine dress, refusal to marry, and eventually shocking Europe by abdicating her throne and converting to Catholicism. Her minimal sleep requirement allowed her to engage in extensive study, correspondence, and political maneuvering that few monarchs could match.
9. King Farouk of Egypt Was a Kleptomaniac
The last ruling King of Egypt had an uncontrollable compulsion to steal, particularly watches and other small valuable items. King Farouk would pickpocket guests at state functions, lifting watches and wallets with practiced skill. On one famous occasion, he allegedly stole a watch from Winston Churchill during an official meeting. His collection of stolen items became legendary, and after his overthrow in 1952, an auction of his possessions revealed thousands of items, many of questionable origin. His kleptomania extended beyond valuable items; he reportedly stole trivial objects simply for the thrill.
10. King Henry VI of England Suffered From Catatonic Episodes
The pious and gentle English king experienced mysterious episodes of complete unresponsiveness lasting months at a time. During his first major episode in 1453, Henry VI became completely catatonic, unable to speak, recognize anyone, or respond to any stimuli for over a year. He sat motionless, staring into space, and required complete care. These episodes contributed to the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses, as the power vacuum created by his incapacitation led nobles to fight for control of the government. Modern historians believe he may have suffered from a hereditary form of schizophrenia passed down from his French grandfather, Charles VI.
Conclusion
These ten unusual facts about famous monarchs reveal that royalty, despite their elevated positions, were far from immune to human peculiarities and afflictions. From musical talents and hygiene obsessions to mental illnesses and bizarre compulsions, these kings and queens demonstrated that the crown could not protect them from the full spectrum of human experience. Their eccentricities, whether caused by illness, personality, or the pressures of absolute power, remind us that history is populated by complex individuals whose quirks and oddities are as much a part of their legacy as their political achievements. Understanding these unusual aspects of royal life provides a more complete and humanized picture of the monarchs who shaped our world.
