The parasitic poisonousness of Omid Scobie

I don’t remember exactly when I first read about the ancient courtier role of Groom of the Stool, but it’s a fascinating business. Here’s Wikipedia to explain: 

‘The Groom of the Stool was the most intimate of an English monarch’s courtiers, responsible for assisting in excretion. The physical intimacy of the role naturally led to his becoming a man in whom much confidence was placed by his royal master and with whom many royal secrets were shared as a matter of course. It is a matter of some debate as to whether the duties involved cleaning the king’s anus, but the groom is known to have been responsible for supplying a bowl, water and towels and also for monitoring the king’s diet and bowel movements.’ 

But I do remember thinking ‘Oh – so that’s what a Groom of the Stool looks like!’ on first seeing a photograph of Omid Scobie. It’s hard to imagine after reading his alleged ‘book’ Finding Freedom that anyone has ever fulfilled the fundamental function of Groom of the Stool as fulsomely as him.