One of the most coveted positions in medieval times was that of "Groom of the Stool." The lucky individual selected for the job had the privilege of administering enemas to the king when needed, of wiping the royal buttocks after a No. 2, of disposing of the royal bodily waste, and, in general, of making sure that the king's rear end was squeaky clean. The king could not be expected to perform these tasks on his own.
Being appointed Groom of the Stool was in fact considered a very prestigious honor. Only the hands of a very high nobleman could be allowed to touch the kingly posterior. The person so selected would always become a close confidant of the regent.
However, as Henry Norris--a former Groom of the Stool to Henry the VIII--unfortunately discovered, being a confidant of the king and the cleaner of his butt nonetheless does not give you license to have sexual relations with the king's mistress.
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