Monarchs' Solitary Slumber: A Royal Privacy Or Ancient Superstition?

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip slept in separate bedrooms throughout their marriage, following an unusual upper-class tradition. It is a common practice among the nobility and aristocracy for spouses to sleep in separate bedrooms, with one source stating that the upper class always have had separate bedrooms. This tradition is also gaining acceptance in the United States, with nearly a third of 3,000 respondents in a survey expressing their desire for a sleep divorce.

It's an upper-class tradition

Lady Pamela Hicks, a cousin of Prince Philip, explained that "In England, the upper class always have had separate bedrooms. 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."

This tradition can be traced back to when marriages among the nobility were often arranged for dynastic or property reasons rather than love or affection. As a result, couples did not always want to share a bed and sometimes led entirely separate lives.

In addition, separate bedrooms were also a display of wealth, as they required double the furniture, linens, and other amenities. This tradition was emulated by the aristocratic class, who wanted to imitate the royal family.

The practice of sleeping in separate bedrooms is not limited to the past, as it is gaining acceptance in modern times as well. A 2018 survey by Slumber Cloud found that nearly half of the 2,000 respondents would prefer to sleep without their partner, with 19% blaming their partner for their poor sleep.

Therefore, the tradition of monarchs sleeping in separate bedrooms can be attributed to upper-class traditions, including the desire for privacy and comfort, the display of wealth, and the influence of arranged marriages in the past.

To avoid being disturbed by snoring or restless sleepers

It is a well-known fact that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip slept in separate bedrooms throughout their marriage. This practice is due to an unusual upper-class tradition. According to Lady Pamela Hicks, a cousin of Prince Philip, the upper class "always have separate bedrooms". She further explained that "you don't want to be bothered with snoring or someone flinging a leg around".

Sleeping in separate bedrooms is becoming increasingly common among couples due to factors like snoring and light sleeping. This practice is also known as a ""sleep divorce". A YouGov poll from 2018 revealed that one in seven British couples prefer to sleep in a separate bed from their partner to get a better night's sleep.

A 2016 study from Paracelsus Private Medical University in Nuremberg, Germany, showed that sleep issues and relationship problems tend to occur simultaneously. One person's lack of sleep due to the other person's nighttime tendencies, such as snoring or restlessness, can result in relationship conflicts. Furthermore, a 2017 study published in the journal Science Direct found that couples who didn't get enough sleep were more likely to argue.

The idea of a "sleep divorce" is gaining acceptance, with nearly a third of 3,000 Americans surveyed in October saying they would like one. Additionally, in a 2018 Slumber Cloud survey, nearly half of the 2,000 respondents said they would prefer to sleep without their partner, and 19% blamed their partners for their poor sleep.

Therefore, the tradition of monarchs sleeping in separate rooms can be attributed to the desire to avoid disturbances caused by snoring or restless sleepers, as well as the upper-class tradition of having separate bedrooms.

To maintain privacy and comfort

Maintaining privacy and comfort are key reasons why monarchs and aristocrats have traditionally slept in separate bedrooms.

Lady Pamela Hicks, a cousin of Prince Philip, explained the upper-class sleeping arrangement to American writer Sally Bedell Smith for a biography of the Queen: "In England, the upper class always have had separate bedrooms. 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."

This tradition is also reflected in the practice of having a "snoring room", a separate room through the closet of the master bedroom, which allows couples to sleep apart discreetly.

The practice of separate bedrooms is also a display of wealth, as it requires double the fixtures, furniture, and linen. It is a tradition that has been copied by the aristocracy from the royal family.

While the tradition of separate bedrooms may have stemmed from a lack of intimacy in arranged aristocratic marriages, it is also a practical solution for couples who want to maintain privacy and comfort while having the option to share a room when they feel "cozy".

To follow religious beliefs

For centuries, monarchs and other members of the aristocracy have maintained the tradition of sleeping in separate bedrooms from their spouses. This practice has been attributed to a variety of factors, including religious beliefs, the desire for better sleep quality, and the display of wealth.

Among the religious reasons, some religions view sex solely as an act of procreation. In the past, when most people were religious, couples might only share a bed when trying to conceive a child.

In the context of arranged marriages, which were common among the nobility, couples may have slept separately and led entirely separate lives outside of their marital duties. This dynamic further reinforces the religious perspective on sex, as physical intimacy was primarily confined to the purpose of procreation within the confines of marriage.

The practice of monarchs sleeping in separate bedrooms can be understood within the broader framework of religious beliefs and societal norms prevalent during those times. It reflects a more conservative approach to marriage and intimacy, where physical proximity and shared sleeping spaces were not necessarily considered essential components of a marital relationship.

Furthermore, the separate bedrooms of monarchs also served as a powerful symbol of wealth and status. The ability to maintain separate chambers, with all the requisite fixtures, furniture, and linens, was a clear indication of financial affluence. This tradition was emulated by the aristocracy, who sought to mirror the customs of the royal family.

To display wealth

Monarchs and aristocrats have long been associated with wealth and opulence, and their sleeping arrangements are no exception. Separate bedrooms for royal couples are a well-known tradition, and this practice serves as a prominent display of their vast riches.

Having separate bedrooms for the monarch and their spouse is a clear indication of financial prosperity. It signifies that they possess the means to maintain and furnish multiple rooms, each with its own set of expensive fixtures, furniture, and linens. This extravagance is often viewed as a symbol of status and privilege.

The tradition of separate bedrooms is deeply rooted in the upper-class culture, particularly within the English nobility. It is not uncommon for aristocratic couples to follow the example set by the royal family, as it reflects their desire to emulate the highest echelons of society. In this context, having to share a bed is almost seen as a sign of financial constraint.

The grand residences of monarchs, such as Buckingham Palace, are designed with expansive master bedroom suites that cater to this tradition. These suites often include multiple rooms, such as separate bedrooms and sitting rooms for the king and queen, along with private staircases. The sheer size and amenities within these royal residences further emphasise the immense wealth and luxury associated with monarchies.

While the tradition of separate bedrooms may have originated as a practical solution for better sleep, it has undoubtedly become intertwined with the display of wealth and status among monarchs and aristocrats. It is a custom that sets them apart from the general populace, reinforcing the perception of royalty as an exclusive and opulent lifestyle.

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