Specifically in the middle ages, how common was it for a member of the royalty to disguise him/herself and go venturing out on the streets, like in movies?

by can_into_space

I know that Elizabeth II anonymously joined V-E Day celebrations, but most depictions of this act in movies are set in the Middle Ages.

motoo344

It might be a bit after the period you are looking at but Peter the Great was fond of disguising himself in public. Peter the Great: His Life and World is an interesting read. Many stories like the one in question.

Siantlark

A followup question:

Would they have been required to change their appearance other than just wardrobe? Could a regular person recognize the King/Queen's face during this time period?

bobsbountifulburgers

Kind of an add on question if there aren't any know occurrences of it. Did this myth start because of Shakespeare's Henry V, or did he draw on earlier stories?

makkuwata

Huh. The Elizabeth II fact feels like something I vaguely knew about but with no specifics. Anyone have more detail?