: Re: Is there any chance a medieval princess can join the army? If so, how will she be treated amongst the men? I know it is rather unusual, but I am toying with the idea of a king's daughter

@Caterina108

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TLDR: Not for extended periods, okay for short or sudden action

No, but

Thinking about an England/France/Spain type of medieval, no, not really. I assume you want something rather historical and not fantasy. St. Joan of Arc who was eventually burned for wearing men's clothing and is a shining example of the contrary.

A princess could participate in war councils, providing insight and thoughts, but she would not participate in a long action with the boys. Queen Elizabeth of England did not take to the battlefield herself.

Eleanor of Aquitaine accompanied both her husband to war.

She would be a distraction to the men who are most likely to try to protect her over accomplishing their own objectives
The men would wonder why she is here and her presence would cause disruptions.
The rest of the command would look for her.
Women would sometime help during sieges by bringing ammunition/ bandages/ help the wounded away from the front.

Now if:
- She ran through the lines and charge headlong into combat, that is quite possible, but would create more chaos.
- Her army is pushed back and she moves to help in the defense, that could work. (say her army is on the run and she joins the rearguard).

In short, historically men do not want women serving on the front line.

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