I think it's assumed that royalty is known but the only people who can see his face would be people high up in society and live nearby. Though this was an emperor who should have recognition cause he fought in wars which mean he must have some interaction with normal soldiers, I just really doubt that saying the king is a tall blonde with blue eyes going to be immediately recognized.
This is how it was lmao. The only ppl who knew their face was other people in high up positions. Countryside nobles had no way of knowing.
Loll taxation without representation
He is LITERALLY the emperor of the country and no one recognizes him, he just strolls around pretending to be someone else like c'mom! This is ridiculous lol