1. Queen Elizabeth I’s Tooth Decay and Black Teeth
Queen Elizabeth I of England is known for her intelligence, wit, and political prowess, but her hygiene was far from regal. Elizabeth had a notorious sweet tooth, indulging in sugary treats, which caused her teeth to decay severely over time. Her teeth turned black from rot, and her breath was reportedly unbearable. Blackened, decaying teeth actually became a trend among the nobility, as black teeth were seen as a status symbol of wealth—showing that one could afford sugar!
2. Marie Antoinette’s Rare Baths
While today we associate royalty with lavish baths, Marie Antoinette of France bathed only a few times a year. Instead, she would use perfumes to mask any unpleasant odors and wore scented powders on her skin. Like many nobles of her time, she believed that frequent bathing could weaken her health. Instead, she relied on elaborate dresses, wigs, and perfumes to cover up any signs of poor hygiene.
3. Catherine de’ Medici’s Perfumed Gloves and Lack of Washing
Queen of France Catherine de’ Medici rarely bathed, fearing it would invite illness. To mask her natural scent, she wore heavily perfumed gloves and adorned herself with fragrances. Her signature perfumes were so strong they reportedly lingered for days. It’s rumored that her personal rooms were also perfumed heavily, as she believed it would protect her from sickness—though it did little for her personal hygiene.
4. Queen Isabella I’s “Two Baths”
Queen Isabella I of Spain famously boasted about only taking two baths in her entire life—one at birth and another just before her wedding. Known for her devout Catholic beliefs, she associated bathing with sin and indulgence, which was a common view among religious royals. As a result, her body odor was often overpowering, but this was considered pious by her supporters at the time.
5. Empress Joséphine’s Rare Bathing Rituals
Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, Empress Joséphine, had such a rare bathing routine that her husband reportedly had a specific request when returning from war: he’d ask her not to bathe for days so he could smell her natural scent. Napoleon was famously known for being drawn to Joséphine’s earthy, musky smell, and she complied with his unusual request, taking minimal baths as a result.