As the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most recognized public figures in the world. Her daily routine and personal habits have long been a source of curiosity and speculation among royal watchers. One question that often arises is – how does the Queen, now in her mid-90s, take care of her personal hygiene and grooming? Does she wash herself or have servants to help her bathe? Let’s take a look at the intriguing logistics behind how the Queen keeps herself clean.
Does the Queen shower or take baths?
It is believed that Queen Elizabeth prefers baths over showers. As monarch, she resides primarily at Buckingham Palace in London which contains royal apartments with rooms for bathing. The bathrooms are outfitted with tubs rather than showers. For a woman in her 90s, a bath may be easier than standing in a shower. The warm water can also help soothe any aches and pains. Queen Elizabeth is known to take a daily bath before bed to help her relax and unwind.
Who helps the Queen bathe?
Given her advanced age, it is likely that Queen Elizabeth requires some assistance with bathing and personal care. However, the specifics are kept private. It is said that a few trusted senior staff members known as “dressers” help the Queen bathe. They are professionally trained and discreet. These dressers have been vetted and sworn to secrecy about any private details they may witness while caring for the Queen. Protecting modesty and dignity is of utmost importance.
The Queen’s Bathing Spaces
The Queen has multiple residences where she may indulge in bathing. Let’s look at the bathrooms available to Her Majesty:
Buckingham Palace Bathrooms
With 775 rooms, Buckingham Palace offers plenty of bathing options. The Queen’s private apartments contain luxurious bathrooms for Her Majesty’s personal use. They are decorated with fine materials like marble, gold fixtures, and the Royal cipher. The bathtubs are deep and wide enough for comfortable soaking. The plumbing stays modernized for the Queen’s comfort. There are also guest bathrooms available that can be used by visiting dignitaries and members of the Royal Family.
Windsor Castle Bathrooms
This sprawling castle located west of London is another monarch residency with indulgent bathing quarters. Windsor Castle dates back to the 11th century with many renovations over time. Plumbing and electricity were added in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Queen and Prince Philip have private en-suite bathrooms adjacent to their bedrooms. The original fixtures are preserved to retain the historic ambiance. Additional bathrooms have the latest amenities. Like Buckingham Palace, baths are preferred over showers.
Balmoral Castle Bathrooms
The Royal Family enjoys spending summers at this Scottish castle on the Balmoral estate. Queen Elizabeth finds it a relaxing retreat. The castle has been modernized over the years and contains updated bathing facilities. The grounds also offer a bath house adjacent to a swimming pool installed for Queen Victoria. The bath house has a marble tub and shower. Queen Elizabeth may enjoy a dip in the pool followed by a warm bath after bracing Scottish days outdoors.
Holyroodhouse Bathrooms
The Queen stays at Holyroodhouse Palace when visiting Edinburgh. As a 12th century abbey converted into a royal palace, it is an intriguing mix of ancient architecture infused with modern amenities. The bathrooms utilized by the Queen feature luxurious tubs while guest bathrooms have tub/shower combinations. Brass fixtures polished to a gleam complement richly papered walls. Using these elegant bathing spaces transports residents back in time.
The Queen’s Bathing Rituals and Preferences
The Queen approaches bathing with precision and attention to detail, just as she does with all aspects of her life. She prefers taking her baths first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Queen Elizabeth also favors consistency. Here are some interesting preferences when it comes to her bathing rituals:
Water Temperature
According to palace sources, Queen Elizabeth insists upon having her bath water heated to exactly 99°F. Any hotter or colder than this preferred temperature is unacceptable. Staff members carefully regulate the baths to this precise degree by taking temperature readings.
Bath Essentials
Her Majesty likes to add a splash of perfumed oils to her bath water – typically gardenia or jasmine scented. She also enjoys moisturizing soaps to keep her skin soft. The Queen steps out of the tub onto monogrammed bath sheets waiting to envelope her.
Privacy
Out of respect for modesty, bathing spaces are strictly private for the Queen with no extraneous staff allowed. Only her dressers may discreetly help Her Majesty into the tub if needed. They are not to converse casually during bathing.
Haircare
Hairdresser visits occur after bathing. Having damp hair makes styling easier for the Queen’s precise hairdos. Her longtime hairdresser, Ian Carmichael, was granted special permission to travel to Windsor Castle during Covid.
Robe Selection
Queen Elizabeth has sumptuous robes on hand for slipping into after baths. Thick, absorbent terrycloth is a preference. Monogrammed robes hang ready on heated hooks. She may first don a lace trimmed nightgown before adding her robes.
How Assistance Takes Place Discreetly
Queen Elizabeth requires more physical assistance for bathing in her 90s than earlier in life. However, her devoted staff provides such personal care with tremendous dignity and respect. Here is how bathing assistance happens privately:
Trusted Dressers
A small circle of senior staff act as dressers to aid Her Majesty. They are formally titled as “Ladies of the Bedchamber” and “Women of the Bedchamber.” Chosen for loyalty and discretion, these long-serving attendants care for the Queen’s gowns, run baths, and help with bathing/dressing in a meticulous yet unobtrusive fashion.
Efficient Routines
The routine moves like clockwork. As one dresser readies the tub, another brings towels, robes, and grooming items. Once the Queen has undressed and settled into the warm bath, the dressers remain just outside the room on call as needed while respecting privacy. They help Her Majesty out of the tub after she finishes bathing.
Focus on Safety
The attendants take care assisting the Queen in and out of the bathtub safely. They provide steady support while mindful of her dignity. Lifting equipment is available if required. The dressers take every precaution to prevent slips or falls. They also watch to make sure Her Majesty stays warm and comfortable.
Efficient Communication
While respectful silence is observed during baths, the dressers communicate efficiently beforehand about which aids will be needed. Clear and concise requests from the Queen are carried out promptly. Her trusted dressers are finely attuned to her preferences.
Interesting Facts About the Queen’s Bathing Habits
In addition to her precise routines and preferences, Queen Elizabeth also has some intriguing bathing habits and anecdotes over her 9+ decades of life:
Childhood Baths
As a young Princess Elizabeth growing up, she took daily baths. However, the water was only 4 inches deep according to palace directives at the time – warm enough to wash up but not deep enough to pose drowning risks to young royals.
Pony Baths
During World War II, water rationing was imposed at the Royal residences. Princess Elizabeth and Margaret were therefore restricted to “pony baths” where a wet washcloth substituted for baths. Full bathing resumed for special occasions.
Balmoral Bath Size
A famed bath installed at Balmoral Castle for Queen Victoria measured 7 feet by 4 feet wide with steps leading into it – more like a small pool! The current Queen still enjoys relaxing soaks at Balmoral, albeit in more moderately sized tubs.
Traveling Baths
When the Queen travels abroad, a specialized bath tub is sent ahead so she can enjoy her familiar comforts. The tub is customized for Her Majesty with a special canvas sling that lowers and lifts her in and out of the water.
Chilly Castles
The Queen allows bathwater only 2 inches deep when staying at the chilly Castle Mey in Scotland. The residence lacked central heating until recently so full baths were too brisk.
How Does Bathing Impact the Queen’s Daily Schedule?
The Queen’s bathing routine fits seamlessly into her meticulously orchestrated daily schedule. Her staff works efficiently to provide prompt assistance while allowing ample time for rest and grooming. Here is the impact of bathing on Her Majesty’s typical agenda:
Morning Schedule
If opting for an AM bath, the Queen starts her day with a soothing soak followed briskly by hair and makeup prep. She takes breakfast in a robe, then dresses for the day’s engagements.
| 7:30 AM | Awake and bathing |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast in robe while hair/makeup done |
| 8:45 AM | Dressed in first outfit of the day |
| 9:00 AM | Starts receiving official papers and documents to review |
Evening Schedule
For an evening bath, time is protected after dinner and obligations. The Queen enjoys 20-30 minutes for leisurely soaking and grooming.
| 6:30 – 8:00 PM | Evening engagements and dinner |
| 8:30 PM | Returns to private quarters for bath |
| 9:00 PM | Dresses for bed |
| 9:30 PM | Receives evening briefing from staff |
| 10:00 PM | Lights out for sleep |
Flexible Schedule
Despite her strict routines, the Queen remains flexible. If duties run late, she will take her bath earlier the next morning. Her dressers can execute an efficient bath process at any needed time in the day.
The Difference Between How the Queen Bathes Now Versus Earlier Years
At age 96, the Queen’s bathing routine certainly differs from her younger years as a princess and new monarch. Some key differences between current and past bathing habits include:
Assistance Level
Historically the Queen preferred bathing alone without assistance. Today she sometimes requires help getting in and out of the tub. Her dressers provide physical support while allowing maximum privacy.
Bathtub Specifications
Bathtubs have been modified and upgraded over the decades to aid mobility. Contemporary tubs feature walk-in access, grip bars, and even water jets for a spa experience. The days of 4-inch partial “pony baths” are in the past.
Location Flexibility
In prior years, the Queen would only bathe in the main bathtubs at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or other residences. Now tubs are installed wherever she is scheduled to visit. Specialized travel tubs also allow bathing while on royal tours abroad.
Timing and Duration
The Queen’s younger self would bathe and groom solo in as little as 10 minutes. Today Her Majesty may spend over 30 minutes soaking in the tub plus time to dress. She also allows for periodic baths during the day to rest and refresh.
Health Considerations
Today the Queen’s dressers take special precautions to prevent slips and falls. They also assist with mobility issues. Maintaining safe blood pressure and hydration levels are considered when running baths. Monitoring the tub’s cleanliness also promotes health at Her Majesty’s age.
Conclusion
In summary, Queen Elizabeth maintains exquisite personal cleanliness and grooming with the assistance of her trusted dressers and meticulously equipped bathing spaces. While her routine has evolved with age, customizing bath time provides comfort and renewal. The Queen emerges impeccably groomed to carry out her royal duties. Careful attention to bathing exemplifies how order and tradition frame Her Majesty’s daily life after 70 years on the throne. Just as the public is fascinated by the Queen’s bathing routine, they will continue to be intrigued by how she maintains her personal care as the oldest British monarch in history.