Even long before the invention of cameras, the British public has been fascinated by the physical appearance of the Royal Family, and height has always been a talked-about trait.
With Prince William, who stands at 1.91m (6ft 3in), set to join the ranks of the tallest kings in history in the future, we look back at bygone royals whose towering frames inspired awe.
Who were the tallest royals in history?
Edward I (1239–1307)
King of England from 1272 to 1307, Edward I earned the nickname of 'Longshanks' due to his 1.88m (6ft 2in) height. 'Shanks' meant 'leg' or 'shin' in the Middle Ages. His imposing height and temperamental nature would have made him an intimidating figure on the battlefield.
Edward IV (1461–1483)
King Edward IV is widely considered the tallest monarch in British history. When his remains were examined in 1789, his skeleton measured 1.93m (6ft 4in), but it's suggested he would have been slightly taller during his lifetime. His impressive stature ran in the family, too (see below).
Henry VIII (1491–1547)
King Henry VIII, Edward IV's grandson, is thought to have reached around 1.88m (6ft 2in), making him one of the tallest Tudor kings. He resided in London, where the average Londoner at the time was just 1.7m (5ft 5in).
Mary Queen of Scots (1542–1587)
Mary Queen of Scots, who reigned from 1542 to 1567, is said to have stood at 1.8m (5ft 11in), unusually tall for the time. Her second husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley was known as 'Long lad', because of his tall stature.
Charles II (1630–1685)
The nicknamed 'Merry Monarch' was often referred to as handsome, charming and well-dressed. Following his death and burial in Henry VII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, a life-size wax effigy was placed by his grave. It measured 1.88m (6ft 2in) tall.
Mary II (1662–1694)
At 1.8m (5ft 11in), Mary was larger and taller than her husband William III (1.5m, 5ft 6½in), who she ruled with as joint monarchs from 1689 until her death in 1694. In 1725 Westminster Abbey acquired life-size wax effigies of the two monarchs; his was stood on a cushion beside hers.
Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–1997)
Standing at 178 cm (5 ft 10 in), Princess Diana was a similar height to her husband at the time, now King Charles III. Prince William’s lofty stature (see below) is often credited to the tall genes of the Spencer family.
William, Prince of Wales (1982–present)
At 1.91m (6ft 3in), the current Prince William, is notably tall. In fact, when he is actually crowned he may become one of the tallest British monarchs in history. His wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, is tall too at 1.75m (5ft 9in), suggesting that their son, Prince George, may also reach a regal height one day.
Main image: Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales. Credit: Getty Images
