Are Royal Couples Allowed to Sleep in the Same Bed?

Long have royal couples been a source of fascination and speculation in the public eye. The question of whether they share a bed is no exception. Traditionally, yes, royal couples are generally allowed to sleep in the same bed. However, this practice is not universal and can vary widely depending on the monarchy, individual preferences, and the unique dynamics at play within each royal family.

Customs and Traditions Across Royal Families

In many royal families, including the British monarchy, married couples typically share a bedroom. This practice is rooted in tradition and reflects the close familial and private nature of royal life. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip famously shared a double bed in their private accommodations, adhering to the expectations of royal life.

It is, however, important to note that there have been notable deviations from this norm. Personal preferences, historical traditions, and practical considerations related to the roles and duties of royal individuals have sometimes led to separate sleeping arrangements. One such example is the royal couple reportedly having separate bedrooms later in their marriage.

Lal Qila and Royal Customs

Some of the most intriguing insights into royal bedding customs can be gleaned from historical accounts and anecdotes. For instance, during the Mughal era, the custom of royal couples sleeping in separate beds was quite common. My grandmother was once an ex-royal, and my great-grandfather was the ex-royal of Lal Qila. When I inquired about this tradition with my mother, Moughal Princess Laila Ummahani, she shared an insightful story.

Laila Ummahani explained that royal couples were typically kept apart after their wedding night for three spring months, during which they were provided opportunities for mating at different palaces. After mating, they were required to sleep in separate beds. This practice was a reflection of royal ethics and moral guidelines, aimed at ensuring the purity and sanctity of royal blood.

If a royal princess became pregnant, she was further separated from her husband until the delivery date plus an additional 40 days—a period known as the Chilla Ceremony. This involved a grand feast, complete with the attendance of all royal family members, who honored the new couple with Ashrafee (a precious gift). These Ashrafees were then given to the poor and destitute, a reflection of the royal couple's charitable nature.

The logistics of royal weddings and matrimonial customs were managed by the esteemed Raja Ray Maharaja Krishan Prasad of Shah Ali Bunda, who was in charge of all royal weddings in the Nizam State of Hyderabad. The Nawab Bawabzada Shajee also played a crucial role in these ceremonies.

Comfort and Privacy

Ultimately, the decision on whether to share a bed is a personal one, influenced by each royal couple's comfort and the privacy that they require. Where one partner is comfortable, the other should conform, provided it does not cause discomfort to others around them. This flexibility is a key aspect of royal life, allowing for a balance between tradition and contemporary living.

Understanding the diverse customs surrounding royal bedding can provide valuable insights into the rich tapestry of royal life and the importance of tradition in preserving unique cultural practices.

Keywords: royal couples, sleeping arrangements, royal traditions