Undignified royal deaths in history

The idea of a monarchy is very lofty. In history, many monarchs believed that they were chosen by God to rule and thus had some sort of divine superiority. Well, if they were chosen by a higher power, then that higher power didn't want them to be immortal, that's for sure!

Not all kings are dignified in life, but these ones certainly weren't dignified in death. Some died through unfortunate accidents, and others through pure stupidity. Click through this gallery to learn about the most embarrassing and unpleasant ways royals have died throughout history.

King Adolf Frederick of Sweden

Still not satisfied, he chose a Nordic pastry called selma for dessert. Even though he had just consumed an enormous meal, he ate 14 selmas! That night, he complained of severe indigestion and died of digestive problems.

Sigurd the Mighty

Sigurd did not honor the agreement, however, and brought 80 men. Naturally, he won the battle. He took his enemy's head as sign of his victory and tied it to the saddle of his horse.

Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi

Qin Shi Huangdi was the first emperor of China more than 2,000 years ago. It's said that the emperor was obsessed with the idea of immortality.

King George II of Great Britain and Ireland

King George II lived to the ripe old age of 77, but his cause of death was a bit of an embarrassment.

King Alexander of Greece

King Alexander of Greece was killed at the age of 27, not by an enemy soldier or a royal executioner, but by a monkey.

King Béla I of Hungary

Béla I was a warrior king praised for his success in protecting Hungary from the advances of the Holy Roman Empire. 

King William II of England

King William II died while out hunting for leisure. He was shot accidentally with an arrow by one of his own men.

King Henry I of England

Regardless, King Henry I took the throne. He ruled for 36 years before he met his bitter end. His cause of death was even worse than his predecessor...

William Adelin

Unfortunately Henry I's death caused havoc, as he didn't have a male heir, or at least one that was still alive. His son, William Adelin, also met an untimely death under strange circumstances.

King Charles VIII of France

King Charles VIII had a reputation for being ungainly, and he certainly met an ungainly end.

King James II of Scotland

King James II of Scotland died while sieging Roxburgh Castle to reclaim it from the English. He was fascinated with artillery, and decided to fire off a cannon in celebration.

Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI

Charles VI held one of the most powerful leadership positions in the world, but nothing could save him in his final hours.

King Charles II of Navarre

Charles II of Navarre met a terrible accidental death while he was receiving a bizarre treatment for an unrelated disease. A physician recommended that he be wrapped in brandy soaked cloth from head to toe. A servant was responsible for sewing the linen closed so it fit snugly around his body.