What was the significance of the stool in the title 'Groom of the Stool'?

The title 'Groom of the Stool' referred to a high-ranking official in the English royal court responsible for the king's personal hygiene and comfort, particularly during toilet duties. This role symbolized trust and intimacy, as the groom was often a close confidant of the monarch. The stool itself represented both physical and social status within the court hierarchy.