Royal Rest: Sleeping Alone In Spousal Splendor

It was once a common practice among the upper classes, including royalty, for married couples to sleep in separate beds or even separate bedrooms. This tradition was followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who reportedly slept apart throughout their marriage. It is believed that this custom was observed to avoid disturbing their spouse while sleeping, and because it was considered more convenient and private, especially when dressing with the help of servants.

It was common for upper-class couples to sleep in separate beds

Another reason for this tradition was the belief that it was important not to disturb one's spouse while they slept. This could be due to snoring or restless sleeping, and separate bedrooms allowed each individual to get a full night's rest without being disturbed. Lady Pamela Hicks, Prince Phillip’s cousin, explained the upper-class sleeping habits: "You don't want to be bothered with snoring or someone flinging a leg around. Then when you are feeling cozy you share your room sometimes. It is lovely to be able to choose."

Furthermore, separate bedrooms were seen as a luxury and a sign of wealth. If one could afford the extra space, it was considered the "poshest way" to follow the cultural trend of sleeping separately. Miami-based entrepreneur Eric Borukhin commented on this practice, stating, "It's a matter of convenience, if you can afford it... If you can have that extra room, it's basically a luxury."

Finally, separate bedrooms allowed royalty and aristocrats to maintain their individual lives and engagements. For example, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had extremely busy schedules and different routines, so having separate rooms made their lives more convenient.

It was inconvenient for male servants to be in the same room as a female royal and vice versa

It was considered inappropriate for male servants to be in the same room as a female royal and vice versa. This was one of the reasons why kings and queens traditionally slept in separate bedrooms.

In royal and aristocratic households, it was common for servants to help their masters with dressing and other personal tasks. This meant that royals and their servants would often be in close proximity, and it would be inconvenient for male servants to be in the same room as a female royal, and vice versa.

The custom of the time dictated that it was inappropriate for members of the opposite sex, other than the married couple, to share a room or be in close quarters when dressing or undressing. This belief was particularly prevalent in upper-class society, where it was customary for men and women to have separate bedrooms.

The tradition of separate bedrooms for male and female royals was also a matter of convenience and luxury. Large palaces and castles provided ample space for each royal to have their own suite of rooms, including separate bedrooms and sitting rooms. This arrangement allowed for privacy and undisturbed sleep, especially when one spouse had different sleep patterns, snored, or moved around a lot in bed.

The practice of separate bedrooms was not limited to royalty but was also observed by other wealthy couples. It was seen as a civilized way to sleep and provided the convenience of personal space when desired.

They had different lifestyles and engagements, making it more convenient to have separate rooms

It is well-known that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip slept in different bedrooms throughout their marriage. This is due to an unusual tradition among the upper classes.

Lady Pamela Hicks, Prince Philip's cousin, revealed that members of the aristocracy "always have separate bedrooms". She explained that it is inconvenient to be disturbed by a partner's snoring or movements in bed. Having separate rooms allows couples to choose when they want to share a room and when they want privacy.

Indeed, the Queen and Prince Philip had different lifestyles and engagements, making it more convenient to have separate rooms. Prince Philip, for example, spent his time in Windsor or Wood Farm, a cottage on the Sandringham estate, after retiring from royal duties.

Sleeping in separate bedrooms is also a matter of luxury and convenience, especially for wealthy couples who can afford the extra space. It is a practice that is becoming increasingly common among couples due to factors like snoring and light sleeping, allowing each partner to have an undisturbed night's rest.

It was customary for the upper class to have separate bedrooms

The practice of separate bedrooms for the upper class continued into the 16th century, with the middle class beginning to live in their own homes with upper floors. The bedchamber remained a public space, where births, weddings, business, and socializing all took place. Death also occurred in the bedroom, with 1 in 5 women dying in childbirth. The bed itself was extremely valuable, often accounting for up to a third of a family's wealth, and was passed down through generations.

In the 17th century, separate bedrooms for husbands and wives became more common, along with separate closets for dressing and prayer. Servants would help the lady of the house dress in public areas of the bedchamber, but the closet was a private space reserved for the lady.

By the 18th century, with the rise of the middle class and the shift of power away from the royal family, the opulence and drama associated with bedrooms began to fade. However, separate bedrooms remained a standard for the upper class, and it was not uncommon for royal couples to have multiple bedrooms, such as King Charles and Queen Camilla, who reportedly have three bedrooms.

Today, separate bedrooms are no longer limited to the aristocracy or the upper class. In modern times, it has become more acceptable for couples from various socioeconomic backgrounds to choose separate sleeping arrangements to prioritize their sleep quality and create a deeper way of communicating.

Separate bedrooms allowed couples to avoid being disturbed by their partner's snoring or movements

Separate bedrooms allowed royal couples to avoid being disturbed by their partners' snoring or movements. This practice was common among the upper classes, who could afford the luxury of multiple bedrooms. Lady Pamela Hicks, Prince Phillip’s cousin, revealed that members of the upper class "always have separate bedrooms". She explained that separate bedrooms allowed couples to avoid being disturbed by snoring or their partner's movements in bed, and that it was "lovely to be able to choose" when to share a room.

This practice was not limited to the upper classes, however. A 2018 YouGov poll revealed that one in seven British couples prefer to sleep in separate beds to get a better night's sleep. Factors such as snoring, light sleeping, and duvet stealing can make separate bedrooms more appealing.

The practice of maintaining separate bedrooms was also influenced by the presence of servants. In royal or aristocratic households, it would be inappropriate for male servants to be in the same room as a female royal, and vice versa.

Additionally, separate bedrooms provided a convenient solution for couples with different lifestyles and engagements. For example, Prince Philip stepped down from royal duties and moved out of Buckingham Palace, opting to spend more time in a smaller "cottage".

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