While kings and queens have more than made their mark throughout history, it’s fair to say that some have stuck out more than others. Although we might remember a number of royals for the acts they carried out or the affairs they embarked on, others have gone down in history for reasons altogether more strange. Over the course of the last few centuries, a number of royals have died in some of the most bizarre ways possible, leaving a huge amount behind them in their wake. These monarchs might not have made a big splash in their lives but when they died, they became huge talking points.
- King James II
(source: kickasshistory.wordpress.com)
Ruling Scotland between the years of 1437 and 1460, King James II was looked upon as favorable during his reign, despite the fact the he threatened anyone that questioned his rule. While the monarch was in charge well after the Scottish War of Independence, there were areas of the country that were still under British rule, tied up in conflict. One of these areas happened to contain Roxburgh Castle, a property that James decided he wanted for himself. Believing that the English were distracted by the War of the Roses, the King took his opportunity to ambush military protecting the castle. His move proved to be fatal, however, and during the siege, he was hit and killed by one of his own cannons that misfired.
- King Charles VIII
(source: sciencepole.com)
King Charles VIII took his place at the head of France’s monarchy during the years of 1483 and 1498. Only 13 years old when he took his place at the head of the country, Charles gave the majority of control to his sister, letting her do the hard work for him. While his reign wasn’t eventful, his death sparked widespread attention. Attending a tennis match at Amboise, Charles failed to notice a low doorway, walking straight into it at full momentum. The blow sent the King into a coma and just a few hours later, he was dead.
- Empress Elisabeth of Austria
(source: alchetron.com)
Remembered for having one of the longest reigns in Austrian royal history, Empress Elisabeth was caught up in an act of anti-establishment when she died. Luigi Lucheni was an Italian anarchist and despised all people of a certain status. In order to make his sentiments known, Lucheni decided to target the monarchy, aiming to take out Prince Phillippe of Orleans. However, Lucheni arrived too late in the town in which Phillippe was staying, missing the monarch by a matter of hours. Undeterred, he looked for the nearest royal family, stumbling into Elisabeth’s stronghold. Lucheni tracked her down, stabbed Elisabeth to death and promptly gave himself up.
- Prince Sado
(source: kdramastars.com)
Reigning over Korea for a period of 52 years, King Yeongjo was one of the most successful rulers in the region’s history. Despite time moving on, however, Yeongjo was not prepared to let his son take over his position on the throne and took bold measures to ensure he would never get there. Prince Sado was known for his violent outbursts and killing sprees and so in order to keep things under control, Yeongjo decided to dispose of him. With consent from the boy’s mother, Yeongjo sealed Sado in a heavy chest and left him for over a week. 8 days later the chest was opened and the boy was discovered dead, having suffocated.
- Queen Caroline of Ansbach
(source: laurapurcell.com)
Over the course of her time on the throne, Queen Caroline became more and more sickly. As well as suffering from gout, the Queen also developed a strangulated hernia after the birth of her youngest child. One day, the pain became even more intense than usual and Queen Caroline was bedridden. Her womb had ruptured and she slowly began to bleed out internally, building up enough pressure to burst her bowels open. Although her death was slow and drawn out, local people chose to make fun of Caroline’s demise. A popular epigram at the time soon made the rounds, stating “Here lies, wrapt up in forty thousand towels/The only proof that Caroline had bowels”.azzzzzzzzzzzdsssssssss