Fit for a king

Alistair Hughes, owner of Savoir Beds, is explaining the role of the royal bed in late 17th century England, which was apparently more than just a construction to sleep in — it was a symbol of the monarchy.  “Charles II would travel around the country with a vast bed,” he says. “His friends would all sleep with him in it and courtiers would bow to the bed whenever they entered.” Hughes is giving context to Savoir’s latest creation, the £125,000 ($192,000) Royal State. Only 60 of the beds will be made and three have already been bought by Qatari clients. “It is truly a magnificent piece of work. The labor intensive mattress and box spring cost around £70,000 [$107,000], the frame £50,000 [$76,000] and the crest £3,000 [$4,600],” he says with unerring self-belief.  “This is our homage to historical tradition,” he says. “And by the way, Charles II’s bed would