Jade Small
Jade Small
December 13, 2024 ·  2 min read

5 ways we all live like royalty

In the past, royalty enjoyed luxuries that commoners could only dream of. Today, thanks to modern technology and advancements, many of these privileges are now accessible to everyone. Here are five surprising ways we live like royalty every day.

The Ultimate Sweet Indulgence

a display case filled with a variety of desserts.
Credit: WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images

In ancient times, sugar was a rare and prized delicacy. Only royalty could afford the hard-to-produce sweetness that came from fruits or labor-intensive methods. Today, sugar is one of the cheapest and most accessible substances in the world. From desserts to sugary drinks, indulging your sweet tooth is no longer a status symbol but an everyday luxury.

Privacy Fit for a King

In medieval times, privacy was a concept only the wealthiest could partially enjoy. Entire families—and even travelers—shared beds, and royal intimate moments required witnesses to confirm legitimacy. Modern homes now provide unparalleled privacy, from secluded bedrooms to personal bathrooms equipped with plumbing, a level of comfort that even the most powerful monarchs lacked.

Wearing Royal Colors

Purple, historically reserved for royalty, was once so expensive that only kings and queens could afford it. Derived from thousands of sea snails, the dye was rare and carried a stench that lingered. Today, synthetic dyes have democratized this once-exclusive color, allowing anyone to wear purple and feel regal without breaking the bank.

Speaking the Language of Power

Following the Norman conquest, England’s ruling class spoke Norman French, a language foreign to commoners. Legal matters and court proceedings were conducted in a specialized “Law French,” creating a stark divide. Today, the ability to speak and understand the same language as leaders and navigate legal documents reflects a significant leveling of societal power.

Clean Streets and Fresh Air

Medieval streets were filled with waste, and even royal castles lacked proper sanitation. Bathrooms in castles, known as garter robes, were simply holes leading outside the castle walls. Modern sanitation and waste management have transformed daily life. With clean streets and pleasant fragrances readily available, everyday living surpasses the conditions of medieval royalty.

A Royal Life for All

Everyday comforts like indulging in sweets, enjoying privacy, and accessing modern amenities bring a touch of royalty to our lives. The luxuries we take for granted today outshine what kings and queens of the past could ever imagine. It’s a reminder that the conveniences of modern life make us all live like royalty in ways we might not often consider.

This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.