Have you ever purchased a brand-new pair of leather shoes, only to end up with painful blisters and bloody heels after the first wear? Many of us have experienced this modern-day torture, vowing to never leave the comfort of our homes again. Now, imagine being a monarch like Queen Elizabeth II, required to attend state banquets, charity walks, and diplomatic events with the entire world watching. There is absolutely no room for limping or wincing in pain during such important occasions.
The Royal Solution: Professional Shoe Testers
This challenging situation led to the creation of one of history's most unusual royal positions: the Royal Shoe Tester, also known as the Shoe Breaker-Inner. This individual's sole responsibility was to wear a royal's new shoes extensively before they reached the monarch's feet. The primary goal was to ensure that the footwear did not cause any discomfort, blisters, or pain when finally worn by the King or Queen during official duties.
Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth II herself benefited from this unique service throughout her reign. While it might sound amusing initially, the role highlights a practical necessity: even royalty requires feet that do not scream in agony during public appearances.
Why Did Royals Need Shoe Testers?
Consider Queen Elizabeth II's incredibly busy schedule, filled with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, garden parties, and extensive international diplomacy. Amid such a whirlwind of activities, who had the time to properly break in new shoes? Fresh leather requires significant flexing through walking and bending to mold comfortably to the wearer's feet. Without this crucial process, painful blisters lurk like sneaky courtiers, ready to strike at the worst possible moment.
Stuart Parvin, the Queen's trusted designer for over a decade, once explained to the Evening Standard: The shoes have to be immediately comfortable. She can never say, 'I'm uncomfortable, I can't walk anymore.' This statement underscores the absolute necessity for flawless footwear. To achieve this, a staff member with matching shoe size—reportedly a size 4—would walk through the palace's carpeted halls, gradually softening the stilettos and flats.
The protocol even included wearing beige socks first to maintain hygiene and ensure a gentle wear-in process. Was this practical? Absolutely. Was it a touch pampered? Perhaps, but entirely justified given the circumstances.
Meet Angela Kelly: The Real-Life Shoe Hero
Contrary to popular belief, this role was not performed by a shadowy servant. Instead, it was handled by Angela Kelly, the late Queen Elizabeth II's trusted Personal Assistant, Dresser, and Curator. In her revealing memoir, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and The Wardrobe, Kelly disclosed that she was the one stomping around in those royal flats and heels.
Why was she chosen for this task? The reasons were threefold:
- She shared the same shoe size as the Queen (size 4, according to reports).
- She demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the monarch.
- She had constant access to the Queen and her wardrobe.
The Queen, ever gracious and dedicated, had precious little downtime, with royal duties spanning from dawn to dusk. Kelly's responsibilities extended far beyond selecting outfits; breaking in shoes ensured that Her Majesty could step out flawlessly at every public event. This intimate, almost sisterly duty involved two women working together to maintain poise amid the pomp and ceremony of royal life.
A Regal Tradition Through Time
The concept of royal shoe testers was not a one-off quirk limited to Queen Elizabeth II. History is brimming with odd royal roles designed to avoid daily discomforts and inconveniences. For instance:
- Ancient Egyptian pharaohs employed wig testers to ensure their elaborate headpieces were free from lice.
- Versailles courtiers were tasked with breaking in Marie Antoinette's corsets to make them wearable.
- Medieval kings hired bed warmers—actual humans—to heat their beds before sleeping.
The shoe tester fits perfectly into this historical context, representing a practical solution for the elite lifestyles of monarchs throughout the ages.
So, the next time you find yourself complaining about your job being boring or peculiar, simply think about the royal shoe tester or breaker. This unique profession, dedicated to ensuring comfort for royalty, might just bring a smile to your face and offer a fresh perspective on workplace oddities.
