The Beauty Battle: How Queens of the Past Faced Scrutiny, and Why It Still Matters Today
Throughout history, queens have often been judged not for their leadership or achievements, but for their beauty standards and looks. This obsession with beauty over substance isn’t new; from Elizabeth of Austria to modern royals like Camilla and Catherine, the narrative around royal women has been heavily influenced by how they appear in public. Yet, as Britain’s fascination with the monarchy continues, is it time to shift our focus?
Beauty vs. Duty in Royal History
Take Elizabeth of Austria, known as the “mother of kings.” Married to Casimir IV of Poland, she bore 13 children and played a significant role in securing the Jagiellon dynasty. Yet, she is primarily remembered not for her impressive lineage or political achievements, but for her supposed lack of beauty.
While medieval chroniclers like Jan Długosz frequently commented on the beauty of royal women, they made no mention of Elizabeth’s appearance. This omission might indicate that her looks were not a matter of public concern in her time. However, centuries later, Elizabeth gained a reputation as the “ugly queen,” overshadowing her actual contributions.
In 1548, nobleman Andrzej Górka claimed that Casimir IV almost broke off the engagement due to Elizabeth’s appearance. Although this claim emerged a century after her death, it added fuel to the narrative that a queen’s value was somehow tied to her beauty – a narrative that lingers even today.
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The story of Elizabeth of Austria has echoes in the tales of other queens, such as Anne of Cleves. Famously, Henry VIII annulled their marriage, citing disappointment in her appearance. This decision wasn’t just a personal slight but altered the course of political alliances. Such incidents reveal that queens were often judged not for their strategic or dynastic roles, but for meeting idealised beauty standards.
Elizabeth’s story shows that her primary role was to provide heirs, secure alliances, and bring stability to her kingdom. Yet, the narrative of her “ugliness” gained traction, especially after a 1973 investigation into the royal tombs at Wawel Cathedral, where skeletal remains thought to be Elizabeth’s displayed facial deformities. While there’s no conclusive evidence that these remains belonged to her, this “discovery” solidified the myth of Elizabeth’s unattractiveness in popular culture.
Modern Royals and the Pressure of Beauty
Fast-forward to today, and not much has changed. The UK’s own Queen Camilla has faced media scrutiny for her appearance for decades, often in comparing her beauty standards to Princess Diana. The same holds true for the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. Headlines dissect their fashion choices, weight, and even facial expressions, reducing these accomplished women to little more than their appearance.
This isn’t just a UK phenomenon. European royals like Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Mary of Denmark are also subject to similar pressures. It seems that beauty remains a requirement for modern queens, regardless of their achievements or public service.
A Shift Away from Appearance?
While we continue to celebrate and critique royal fashion and their beauty standards, it’s essential to question why looks still matter so much for royal women. Historical queens like Elizabeth of Austria were valued for their fertility and political alliances, yet are remembered for superficial traits. Similarly, today’s royal women are essential figures, shaping history and diplomacy. Isn’t it time to judge them on their contributions to society rather than their adherence to beauty standards.
Explore other EyeOnLondon articles on how beauty standards have influenced perceptions of royalty throughout history.
