The Royal Family is known for observing centuries-old traditions, whether attending state occasions, hosting guests at palaces or carrying out official engagements.
But according to long-standing reports, even the most private room in the house is governed by its own set of unusual rules.
From the language they use to the items reportedly kept out of sight, royal bathrooms are said to follow etiquette that goes far beyond everyday household habits.
One of the most surprising claims is that members of the Royal Family avoid calling it the “toilet.”
Instead, the preferred term is said to be “lavatory” or “bathroom,” reflecting the formal language traditionally associated with royal life.
There are also reports that books, newspapers and magazines are not welcome in royal bathrooms.
Keeping reading material in the room has reportedly been viewed as unhygienic, making it another habit discouraged within royal residences.
Scented candles, a staple in many modern bathrooms, are also believed to be absent.
While no official explanation has been given, the reported preference reflects the Royal Family’s reputation for understated elegance rather than decorative trends.
According to reports, staff avoid vacuuming near royal bathrooms when family members are present to ensure the peace and quiet of the household is not disturbed.
Bathing habits are another tradition said to set royal households apart. Members of the family have long been associated with baths rather than showers, with the late Princess Margaret reportedly considering a bath the more refined option.
Not every royal shares that view, however. Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf once admitted he felt uncomfortable about the amount of water a bath requires.
Speaking during a 2015 interview with Svenska Dagbladet, he recalled staying somewhere without a shower and being forced to fill a bathtub instead.
“I can’t believe I’m having to do this,” he remembered thinking, adding that he felt “quite ashamed” after realising how much water and energy it consumed.
2026-07-29 21:40:00
