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Royalty during the Middle Ages was the highest social class and they had an abundance of power. Kings, queens, princesses and princes fell under the category of Royalty. Kings and Queens had the most influence in political and economic matters. Kings tended to make "laws, attempt to remove poverty from the Kingdom and take care of the citizens in his kingdom" ("Social Classes in the Middle Ages"). Queens were usually the second in command after the kings. Royalty lived in castles of massive stone structures ("Royalty in the Middle Ages"). "While there were a variety of different architectural and design styles for castles in the middle ages, in general, it is safe to say many of the castles served a similar purpose during the time period: to provide a defense strategy." The food the higher class consumed consisted of meat, fish pastries, cabbage turnips, onions, carrots, fresh bread, roast swan or peacock. In the dining table wine and gin were always served. .
Nobility was second in line as to hierarchy right after Royalty. Nobles, Lords, Dukes, Vassals and Barons all fall under the category of nobility. Lords where in charge of protecting the vassal, and giving them military aid. The vassals were required to attend the lords, help them administer justice, and contribute from their own money to a cause such a war. A Duke was the highest ranking in the nobility and his main responsibility was to rule a province. Barons were servants of the lord; they were given manors to live within the province of the lords. Also Barons were in charge of watching over the lord's manor and the crops. Usually nobles, lords, and dukes shared the lifestyle that kings and queens had. The nobility always lived in very comfortable manors; some also adopted the same architecture as the king's castles. Nobility ate meat, fish, cabbage as well as the kings. They always drank wine and ale at the dining table ("Social Classes in the Middle Ages").
