A problematic history of obsessing over royal women’s looks, from Camilla to the ‘ugly’ Elizabeth of Austria

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von Guttner Sporzynski, Darius, Biniaś-Szkopek, Magdalena and Tomczak, Robert. (2024). A problematic history of obsessing over royal women’s looks, from Camilla to the ‘ugly’ Elizabeth of Austria The Conversation Media Group.
Authorsvon Guttner Sporzynski, Darius, Biniaś-Szkopek, Magdalena and Tomczak, Robert
Abstract

Throughout history, queens have often been judged on their looks. Beauty standards shaped early-modern queenship. Even today, royal women such as the UK royal family’s Camilla, Catherine and Meghan are scrutinised for their looks, while their male counterparts aren’t held to the same standard.

One woman who faced particular scrutiny for her looks was Elizabeth of Austria (1436/37–1505). Known as the “mother of kings”, Elizabeth married Casimir IV of Poland and had 13 children, securing the Jagiellon dynasty’s future. Yet she is still remembered for her supposed lack of beauty.

This obsession with her appearance overlooks what really mattered for queens in her time: fertility, motherhood, political alliances and dynastic stability.

Year22 Oct 2024
PublisherThe Conversation Media Group
ISSN2201-5639
Web address (URL)https://theconversation.com/a-problematic-history-of-obsessing-over-royal-womens-looks-from-camilla-to-the-ugly-elizabeth-of-austria-241674
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Online22 Oct 2024
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Deposited27 Mar 2025
JournalThe Conversation
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