History Tea Time
I'm Lindsay Holiday and I'm spilling the Tea on history! Join me every Tuesday for a steaming cup of the juiciest stories you won't learn in history class. Topics include Queens of the world, Royalty and Women's history.
Episodes
Kings & Queens of Scotland 4/5: House of Stewart (1437–1567)
Join me on a historic tour of Scotland, May 15th-21st, 2024: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/united-kingdom/united-kingdom-with-lindsay-holiday-may-2024
You can see the whole series now at: https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday
In this episode we’ll met more Stuarts monarchs, one who inspired the Red wedding Scene in Game of Thrones, another who’s vendetta against his uncle, Henry VIII cost h
Kings & Queens of Scotland 3/5: Wars of Independence (1286-1437)
In this episode we’ll see Scotland go through it’s most tumultuous century, beginning with it’s first, tragic Queen Regnant; though the Wars of independence, where we’ll learn what Braveheart and Outlaw King got right and wrong about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, ending up with the accession of the Stewart Dynasty, who would rule Scotland for 300 years.
Margaret “Maid of Norway”
John Ball
Kings & Queens of Scotland 2/5: House of Dunkeld (1034–1286)
In this episode we’ll continue the bitter rivalry between branches of the royal family, learn how the Scots took advantage of the Norman invasion of 1066, meet the nation’s most famous Saint-Queen and find out what really happened to MacBeth.
Part 2: House of Dunkeld
Duncan I
Macbeth
Lulach
Malcolm III
Donald III
Duncan II
Edgar “the Valiant”
Alexander I “the Fierce”
David I “the Saint”
Mal
Kings & Queens of Scotland 1/5: The House of Alpin (848–1034)
You can see the whole series now at: https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday
Magnificent and roughed, Scotland has long been a country of fierce independence and brutal power struggles. From ancient warrior kings who fought off battering waves of Vikings raids, to royal cousins who murdered each other for the throne. From the medieval monarchs who alternately sold out and fought to preserve their
Asexual Royals from History
Throughout history, across cultures and in every walk of life, there have always been people with varied sexual attractions, or lack there of. Asexuality, in particular, has only been identified and studied since the early 20th century. People in the past did not have the concepts, terminology or relative freedom we have today. So those who might now identify as asexual had a limited understanding
Commoner Queens of England
The United Kingdom has a new Queen Consort, Camilla. She is the first Queen of England to have been born a commoner since Catherine Parr (1547). Since the Norman conquest in 1066, English and British Royals have almost exclusively married other royals, usually as part of treaties with powerful neighboring nations. Of the 42 royal consorts, 13 have been French, 8 German, 5 Spanish, 4 Danish, 1 Dutc
Royalty 101: Queens Regnant through History
I answer your questions on ruling Queens through the ages:
5 Types of Queens (Queen Regnant, Queen Consort, Dowager Queen, Queen Mother, Queen Regent)
Who was the first ever Queen Regnant?
What was the most common Regnal name for a Queen Regnant?
Have there been Queens Regnant who have been canonized?
Who were the youngest and oldest Queens Regnant?
Which Queens Regnant have had the longest and s
Coronation Fashion: Past & Present
One of the most anticipated, and ceremonially significant parts of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla was what the royals would wear. And everyone wanted to know if Catherine, Princess of Wales would be wearing a Tiara. From real fur to faux tiaras, and some surprising and creative robe choices, the royal family were all dressed to impress. Now that the ensembles they sel
6 Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. And in the case of the six most famous wives in history, it’s true. Catherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Catherine and Catherine again all had mothers who greatly influenced them and played important roles in their dramatic lives. Some of them weren’t too fond of their murderous son-in-law, King Henry VIII. Let’s meet the 6 Mamas of the 6 wives of Henry V
Charlemagne’s Many Wives & Concubines
Charlemagne is a central figure in European history. In the 700s he conquered a vast empire. He is considered the progenitor of the French monarchy, several Germany dynasties and more. He even forced the Pope to crown him Holy Roman Emperor. But while Charlemagne was busy converting pagans to Christianity at sword point, his love life was far from holy. The great emperor had 4 or 5 wives, the rela
The Windsor Beauties - 10 Women of the Restoration Court
I'm at Hampton Court Palace in the Communication Gallery to look at a very special collection of paintings, the Windsor Beauties. These portraits immortalize 10 woman said to be the most stunning members of the restoration court. They exude elegance, confidence, and more than a hint of seduction. It was long whispered that famous philanderer, King Charles II used the paintings like a catalog, to c
Historic Royals with Tattoos
Tattoos have a long and colorful history across the world, and are an important part of many cultures. While 1 in 3 Americans have at least 1 tattoo today, western culture still sees the art form as counter culture, risque and rebellious. You might be shocked if you learned that your grandma was inked. And you certainly wouldn’t expect that prim and proper royals of the Victorian era were conceali
Who was Queen Mary & Why did Queen Camilla wear her Crown?
Originally published on Youtube in 2023.
Buckingham Palace recently announced that Queen Consort Camilla as selected from the crown jewels the Crown of Queen Mary to wear at her own coronation on May 6th, 2023. Mary of Teck was a strong force within the British royal family and greatly influenced the morality and sense of duty her favorite granddaughter, Elizabeth II was famous for. The royal fa
Queens of the Bible
From Bathsheba to the Queen of Sheba, from Jezebel to Esther, the Queens of the bible have been referenced in art, music and pop culture for thousands of years. But who were these ancient women? What were their stories and what historic evidence do we have of their lives? Today let’s meet the Queens of the Bible:
Michal – 1 Samuel 14:49
Bathsheba – 2 Samuel 11:3, 1 Chronicles 3:5
Queen of Sheba –
A History of Scottish Clans, Tartan & Kilts
While getting swept away in the latest season of Outlander, or researching your own highland heritage, you might wonder about these key elements of Scottish culture and history. What was a clan and how did they work? Does my last name mean that I belong to a certain clan and that I can only wear that clan’s tartan? What is tartan, what is a kilt, and what do Scotsmen wear under them? Buckle on you
Guinness Family - Ireland's Dark Beer Dynasty
When the Guinness family saw the turmoil and scandals of other great historic dynasties, they literally said, hold our beer, and proceeded to top them all. The new series, The House of Guinness dramatizes just one generation of the famous Irish family; the 4 children of Benjamin Guinness, who took over the brewing business in 1868. And while we'll cover what was fact and fiction, there is so much
Madame Jeanne du Barry - The Last Great Royal Mistress of France
Jeanne Bécu, Jeanne du Barry, Madame du Barry, clawed her way up from the illegitimate daughter of a single mother, to one of the most celebrated courtesans in Paris, to the final royal mistress of King Louis XV. Her captivating life has been dramatized in numerous operas, films and television shows. Most recently in the new film written, directed and starring Maïwenn and featuring Johnny Depp as
Which Nations have had the most Queens Regnant?
Through most of history, male monarchs have been the norm. Their wives held the title of Queen or Empress, but were merely consorts, with little real power. Many monarchies, like France, The Ottoman Empire and Bhutan have strictly barred women from inheriting the throne and have never had a Queen Regnant, or a Queen in her own right. While others have rules loose enough that a handful of women hav
Elizabeth I vs. Catherine de Medici: Great Rivalries in History
For most of history, men ruled the world. But for 3 decades in the late 1500s two powerful women dominated Europe. Catherine de Medici was Queen of France and Elizabeth I was Queen of England. Neither one was expected to be Queen. But both bid their time until they could seize power. They were brilliant, dynamic, determined, and sometimes ruthless leaders. But even with all they had in common, the
A History of Bras & Corsets
Ever wonder what women of the past wore to give them that ample bustline? Let’s explore the bra, corset and various garments that have been there to support women through the centuries and the many fashions that have come and gone with them.
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Royal Couples who were really in LOVE ❤️
Through most of history, royals were stuck in unhappy, arranged marriages. But, sometimes, after getting through the awkward wedding night, royal brides and grooms found they had a lot in common and formed intimate, passionate, life-long connections. Some kings even ignored the court ladies clamoring to be their mistresses, and had eyes only for their Queen. From a medieval Queen who rode into war
Black Aristocrats & Celebrities of the Victorian Era
Popular historic dramas like Bridgerton, Little Dorrit and year of the Rabbit sometimes receive criticism that their diverse casts are historically inaccurate. But in fact there have been people of color in Britain since Roman times. In a previous video, I explored the lives of 7 fascinating black Aristocrats & Celebrities who were living in 18th century England and France. Today we’ll travel forw
The Astors – America's "Royal" Families
The Astors... Chances are you’ve hear the name of this prominent and obscenely wealthy dynasty of gilded age America. You may have been to a hotel, library, subway station or town that bares their name; vaguely remember that one of them went down with the Titanic, or recall seeing their modern decedents in US or UK tabloids. But who were these captains of industry and Queens of society? Today we’
Ahilyabai Holkar, Maharani of Indore, India
Ahilyabai was born a commoner but was chosen as the bride of a prince at the age of 8. When her Husband was killed in battle she was convinced not to commit sati by throwing herself on his funeral pyre. She instead became a warrior princess and studied statecraft. When her father-in-law and then son died, she became the ruler of Indore. Her just rule, love of peace, care for her people and numerou
Lucrezia Borgia - The Pope’s Poison Princess?
For 500 years Lucrezia Borgia has been the focus of operas, novels, movies, and televisions shows. She was one of the inspirations for Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. Nearly all of these works further her reputation as a femme fatale and one of the most evil women in history. It is said that she went through 3 husbands, used a poison ring to murder her enemies, and slept with her father and b
10 Historic Royals YOU are Most Likely to be Related to
Have you every felt like you really should be living in a palace? Do diamond encrusted, golden crowns look particularly fetching on you, and are you darling at waving to adoring crowds from a carriage or balcony? Then you may have wondered if you have a few Kings and Queens way back in your family tree! Today I will share how you can find out if you have royal blood and introduce you to 10 histori
A History of Time: Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months & Years
Time, it marches on relentlessly outside of human control. But humanity has long found a variety of ways to mark our passage through the eons. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. But why do we count our collective journey through the ages in these integers? A day makes sense, that’s one rotation of the earth on its axis and can easily be marked by the rising and setting of the
Royal Christmas in Germany, 1907 - German Holiday Traditions
In Germany, Christmas really glitters! In fact many of the traditions we associate with the festive season in Britain, the US and around the world come to us via Germany. The Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, Advent Calendars, nutcrackers, toys, Christmas Markets and a cornucopia of Christmas confections had roots in Deutschland. Much of this cultural exchange comes from the tight familial bonds betwee
Jane Austen: The Witty Regency Romance Writer the World Can’t Get Enough Of
Jane Austen was born in the 16th of December, 1775, which means this month marks her 250th birthday. Jane lived a quiet, mostly happy life in the English countryside, surrounded by the balls, romantic intrigues and family dramas that fill her novels. Her writing was always her true passion. She glimpsed success, with 4 books becoming wildly popular in her lifetime. But she died tragically young, d
Disney Princesses vs. Real History 2/2
Each Disney Princess movie is set in a different time and part of the world. For many they are a first glimpse of history and cultures outside of our own. But have you ever wondered what life was really like for your favorite Disney Princess? Let’s take a look at each of Disney’s 16 animated Princesses, including the latest addition, Asha, to determine where and when they are most likely set. Then
Disney Princesses vs. Real History 1/2
Each Disney Princess movie is set in a different time and part of the world. For many they are a first glimpse of history and cultures outside of our own. But have you ever wondered what life was really like for your favorite Disney Princess? Let’s take a look at each of Disney’s 16 animated Princesses, including the latest addition, Asha, to determine where and when they are most likely set. Then
Queen Victoria's Childhood & Siblings
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Kensington Palace in London, where Queen Victoria was born and raised. Let’s explore the rooms where she spent her troubled youth, examine the harsh Kensington system under which she was reared, discover a few of her childhood joys and learn what transformed her into a Queen. We’ll also get to know her two half siblings, find out what became of them and what
A History of Plastic Surgery
From repairing the damage wrought by disease, injury and warfare to enhancing beauty, healers have long sought new and innovative ways to improve the looks and the lives of their patients. Let’s take a journey through the historic of plastic surgery, from it’s painful and primitive yet surprisingly effective ancient origins, through a few shocking case studies to the modern medical procedures of t
King Harold Godwinson vs. William the Conqueror: Great Royal Rivalries in History
1066, a date which lives in infamy in many a school child’s history test. For in that year England saw 4 Kings, and two bitter enemies battle for the throne. The ultimate victor would change the course history. The new series King and Conqueror dramatizes this pivotal rivalry with all the guts and Glory of Game of Thrones, sans the dragons and Ice zombies, and with surprisingly little incest. But
English & British Royals Who Lost Their Titles – Andrew Mountbattan Windsor was not the first!
On October 30th, 2025, Buckingham palace announced that King Charles III had begun a formal process to remove his brother Andrew’s style, titles, and honours. Find out what that means and learn about other royals from history who lost their titles.
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10 Bizarre Royal Deaths from History
With so much money and power, royals were able to invent some pretty unique and creative ways to slay their enemies, or accidentally seal their own doom. From a Chinese Emperor’s deadly elixir of life to a steamy Roman romance that got a little too scalding hot. From a court jester so hilarious he made a Spanish king litrally die laughing, to a Swedish King’s massive last meal of caviar, champagne
Ghosts vs. Real History - What each series says about its country’s History
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The eerily beloved British comedy Ghosts was first adapted into an American supernatural sit com. It has now appairated into 3 more adaptations in Germany, France and Australia. In each version, half of a modern, living couple inherit a historic mansion. After moving in, the woman has a brush with death, which allows her to s
Grand Duke Henri’s Abdication, Guillaume’s Accession & the History of Luxembourg
Europe has a new monarch! On the 3rd of October, 2025 Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg abdicated the throne. And his son, Prince Guillaume was sworn in as the nation’s new Grand Duke. Let’s explore the history of this small, but ancient monarchy, learn what a Grand Duke actually is, meet the old and new Grand Dukes and their Grand Duchesses, and find out what happened at this royal event!
Join me ev
Who is Buried at the Tower of London? Tudor, Stuart & Georgian Executions
For nearly 1000 years, the tower of London has been the site of the bloody executions of some of England’s most famous historic figures. And many of the tower’s victims were laid to their final rest within the walls, never to escape the prison where they met their tragic end. A King, 3 Queens, A Prince, 5 dukes and many more noble men and women were buried here. Let’s meet them and learn how they
Who is Buried at the Tower of London? Princes in the Tower & Victims of Henry VIII
For nearly 1000 years, the tower of London has been the site of the bloody executions of some of England’s most famous historic figures. And many of the tower’s victims were laid to their final rest within the walls, never to escape the prison where they met their tragic end. A King, 3 Queens, A Prince, 5 dukes and many more noble men and women were buried here. Let’s meet them and learn how they
Successions of the 10 Modern European Monarchies
Royalty 101: Ten hereditary monarchies survive in Europe today; Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Monaco. Each of them pass their thrones within their respective royal or noble family based on different rules. Some give daughters equal right to sons, some bar women and their children entirely. Princes and Princesses may be b
The Rothschilds: Europe’s Jewish Banking Dynasty
“As rich as a Rothschild” was a common saying in the gilded age. Their rags to riches story reads like many other great modern financial dynasties; a brilliant founder who forged a fortune and future generations who squandered it on eccentricities. But the Rothschilds have a few interesting twists; The Patriarch’s five sons were sent across Europe to establish their own banking dynasties. They exp
Who will be the World's Next Queen Regnant?
In 2013, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands stepped down and handed the throne to her son, Willem Alexander. In 2022 Queen Elizabeth II of the UK died at the age of 96 and her son, Charles III inherited the throne. And on January 14th, 2024, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark abdicated in favor of her son, Frederik X. In just over 10 years, the world has gone from three accomplished, popular and long rei
7 Women Who Escaped Marrying Henry VIII
Henry VIII is famous for marrying 6 wives, abandoning 2 of them and beheading another 2. Some might say he ruined their lives! And though they may have briefly been Queens, they also likely cursed they met the royal tyrant. In his Majesty’s search for new brides there were a handful of ladies whom he considered, but either turned down, or rejected him. Let’s meet the 8 lucky ladies who managed to
Chinese Concubines who became Empresses
For thousands of years, Emperors of China had harems of dozens or even hundreds of wives. Emperors had the right to select concubines from among the teenage daughters of the nobility or the peasantry. During the Ming dynasty 5,000 beautiful woman were brought from around the country and lined up in front of the palace. They were narrowed down to just a handful who were admitted into the palace and
Princess Margaret - Queen Elizabeth II’s Infamous Sister
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon was a bright rose, who bloomed even in the shadow of her older sister, Queen Elizabeth II. She was a fashion icon and the life of many parties. She had a scandalous romance her sovereign sibling could never sanction, and a disastrous marriage which paved the way for future royal divorces. And through it all, she was a dedicated support and friend to the Queen
A History of Alcohol
I’m at Ye Olde Mitre, one of the oldest pubs in London with a cold pint of Ale. And I can think of no better place to discuss the history of alcohol. Intoxicating beverages has been a part of human culture from the beginning. Alcohol flows through our social, ritual, religious, economic, government, and medical history. So join us for a glass of your favorite hard or non-alcoholic tipple, as we ex
Royal Yacht Britannia - Queen Elizabeth II’s Floating Palace
When Queen Elizabeth II and her family went on vacation, they didn’t fly coach or take a carnival cruise. They traveled in style aboard Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia. The Queen designed the ship herself the year of her coronation. This was her favorite place to be, where she could truly unwind. I recently had the opportunity to tour this historic yacht in Edinburgh, Scotland. And to talk with the
Children of Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette
King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette of France had 4 offspring. They also adopted 6 orphans. These children spent their early years in the lap of luxury at the Palace of Versailles. But the French revolution tore the family apart. The King and Queen lost their heads to Madame Guillotine and the children were imprisoned and scattered to the wind. Let’s meet the children of the King and Queen o
Future Queens & Consorts of Europe
Catherine, Princess of Wales is one of the best known, best liked and best dressed women in the world. But she’s far from the only future queen with a fairytale love story, who’s now busy greeting diplomats, supporting charities, raising little royals and looking fabulous! Of the 10 surviving hereditary monarchies in Europe, 5 have heirs who are still young and as yet unmarried. We can look forwar
Current Queens & Consorts of Europe
Through most of history, monarchs wielded unlimited political and military power, while their Queens and consorts were in charge of producing heirs and ruling the hearts of the people. Since the fall of feudalism, the 10 remaining hereditary monarchs of Europe have lost their unchecked authority. But their spouses’ so called ‘soft powers’ of hosting diplomats, supporting charities and greeting the
The Kennedys – America's 'Royal' Families
Correction: JFK was assasinated on 11/22/1963
Ever since the United States rejected hereditary Monarchy, Americans have had a fascination with political dynasties. The Adamses, the Roosevelts, and the Bushes have all become pseudo-royal families with multiple generations in high office. But no clan has embodied this more than the Kennedys. They achieved the American dream, going from penniless Ir
Diana, Princess of Wales
Lady Diana Spencer was the daughter of an Earl and was hand picked at 19 to become the bride of heir to the throne, Charles, Prince of Wales. But he was already in love with another woman and the fairytale marriage soon devolved into a messy divorce splashed across the tabloids. Though she would never get to be Queen, Diana’s glamor, likability and compassionate charity work made her the Queen of
Caroline Astor, The Queen of Gilded Age New York
Caroline was born into old money, and married into the richest new money family in the world. She became the ultimate Queen bee, determining who was and was NOT part of the illustrious 400, the high society of gilded age New York. A coveted invitation to one of her balls was the ultimate achievement for social climbers. Those left off the list might as well catch the next train to Toledo. Like her
LGBTQ Rulers of the World
Sexuality and gender politics have differed from culture to culture and age to age throughout history. The concept of homosexuality as an identity only emerged in the 20th century. Prior to that gay and lesbian relationships and activities were commonplace but were thought of as something one did rather than part of one’s identity. There have been many historic figures who are noted to have prefer
The Modern Queens & Consorts of The United Kingdom 8/8
The Queens and Consorts of the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and later the Windsor Dynasty reined over the United Kingdom and the British Empire. They sometimes spurred on and sometimes resisted the modernization of the world. They inspired their people and even fought during two world Wars. The modern Queens consort and male consorts were:
Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Alexandra of Denmark
Mary of Teck
The Hanoverian Queens & Consorts of The United Kingdom 7/8
The German Hanoverian Queens of Great Britain and later the United Kingdom had some of the most epic royal matrimonial brawls in history. One brought enlightenment thinking to court. One was dear friends with Marie Antoinette and endured her husband’s decades of madness. And one got locked out of her husband’s coronation. The Hanoverian Queens consort were:
Sophia Dorothea of Celle (not technicall
The Stuart Queens & Consorts of England 6/8
The Stuart Queens and consorts of England and later Great Britain indulged in art, theater and culture. One lost her crown when her husband lost his head. And most had to look the other way while their spouses carried on with their many lovers. The Stuart Queens consort and male consort were:
Anne of Denmark
Henrietta Maria of France
Catherine of Braganza
Mary of Modena
George of Denmark
The lives
The Tudor Queens & Consorts of England 5/8
The first Tudor Queen of England helped to end the Wars of the Roses. Her son, Henry VIII took six Queens during his reign and beheaded two of them. Lady Jane Grey and Mary I both had husbands who claimed the title of King while Elizabeth I avoided the whole matrimonial mess. The Tudor Queens consort and male consorts were:
Elizabeth of York
Catherine of Aragon
Anne Boleyn
Jane Seymour
Anne of Cle
The Wars of the Roses Queens & Consorts of England 4/8
The Queens of England who were tangled in the brambles of the Wars of the Roses fought tooth and nail for their rights and the rights of their families. The Queens consort of the Wars of the Roses were:
Anne of Bohemia
Isabella of Valois
Joan of Navarre
Catherine of Valois
Margaret of Anjou
Elizabeth Woodville
Anne Neville
The lives of the many Kings and handful of Queens Regnant who have held dom
The Plantagenet Queens & Consorts of England 3/8
The Plantagenet Queens of England reigned over the middle ages. Some went on crusade, some marched to battle alongside their kings and one overthrew her husband and took control of England herself. The Plantagenet Queens consort were:
Berengaria of Navarre
Isabella of Angoulême
Eleanor of Provence
Eleanor of Castile
Margaret of France
Isabella of France
Philippa of Hainault
The lives of the many K
The Norman Queens & Consorts of England 2/8
The Norman Queens of England who came to power after the invasion of William the Conqueror brought continental sophistication to the island kingdom. They fought fiercely for their rights and the rights of their children. One even went to wara against her husband. The Norman Queens consort and England’s first male consort were:
Matilda of Flanders
Matilda of Scotland
Adeliza of Louvain
Matilda of B
The Anglo-Saxon Queens & Consorts of England 1/8
The first Anglo-Saxon Queens of England before the Norman conquest are shrouded in the mists of history. Their stories read like fairytales and in fact one of them inspired the evil stepmother. The Anglo-Saxon Queen Consorts were:
Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury
Æthelflæd of Damerham
Ælfgifu
Ælfthryth of Devon
Ælfgifu of York
Emma of Normandy
Ealdgyth
Edith of Wessex
Ealdgyth of Mercia
The lives of the man
Women of the Titanic
On the night of April 14, 1912, 2,224 people faced doom in the middle of the fridge north Atlantic. The luxury liner hailed as unsinkable was about to do just that and disappear beneath the waves. The tragedy has long captured the public imagination with heroic tales of millionaire John Jacob Astor going down with the ship like a gentleman and fictionalized romances about people who weren’t really
King Charles II's Illegitimate Children
Charles II, King of England, Scotland & Ireland from 1660 to 1685 is one of the most notorious lotharios in history. He loved the ladies and took both noble women and commoner actresses to bed, sometimes multiple times a day. And the ladies were certainly up for it. In addition to enjoying the charming sovereign’s company, they also enjoyed the gifts, estates, and noble titles he lavished upon the
King Charles II's Mistresses
Charles II, King of England, Scotland & Ireland from 1660 to 1685 is one of the most notorious lotharios in history. The swarthy sovereign started early and continued making love, sometimes multiple times a day, until the week he died at 54. His court was famous for it’s flagrant hedonism and he took both noble ladies and commoner actresses to bed. The women were certainly up for it. They took adv
Disney Doppelgängers, Part 2
I have been enchanted by Disney since childhood. And as an adult, whenever I’m watching any movie or TV show, I can’t help but play “Where do I know that actor from?” Thank you, IMDB for making my adult life that little bit easier. One of my first forays into content creation, way back in 2014 was a series I made called “Disney Doppelgangers” where I compare two or more famous animated Disney char
Disney Doppelgängers, Part 1
I have been enchanted by Disney since childhood. And as an adult, whenever I’m watching any movie or TV show, I can’t help but play “Where do I know that actor from?” Thank you, IMDB for making my adult life that little bit easier. One of my first forays into content creation, way back in 2014 was a series I made called “Disney Doppelgangers” where I compare two or more famous animated Disney char
Grace O'Malley, Irish Pirate Queen
Gráinne Ní Mháille known as Grace O’Malley in English was raised aboard her father’s ships. Her charisma then won her the loyalty of her husband’s men. Together they traded and marauded the rouged west coast of Ireland. They feuded with other clans until the English came to take over the nation. Gráinne and her English nemesis nearly destroyed each other until she went over his head and met direct
Royal Yacht Britannia
When Queen Elizabeth II and her family went on vacation, they didn’t fly coach or take a carnival cruise. They traveled in style aboard Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia. The Queen designed the ship herself the year of her coronation. This was her favorite place to be, where she could truly unwind. I recently had the opportunity to tour this historic yacht in Edinburgh, Scotland. And to talk with the
Leeds Castle: Ladies' Castle of England
Leeds Castle has been called the loveliest castle in England and it certainly lives up to the name. The elegant stone keep, towers, and crenelated battlements surrounded by a tranquil moat, beautiful gardens and lush parkland are exactly what you would picture as an idealized medieval castle. Across the centuries, it has often been strong women who have owned, enjoyed, renovated and defended Leeds
4 Living Former Monarchs whose Thrones were Abolished
In the last episode we met 7 living former monarchs who chose to retire, hand their thrones to their children and enjoy their golden years. But not all living former monarchs chose to get off the throne, some were pushed off. In the 20th century, 28 national-level monarchies across the world were abolished. Their former sovereigns were downgraded, exiled or even executed. As the majority of these
7 Living Former Monarchs Who Retired
Queen Elizabeth II considered abdication to be a dirty word. She remained on the throne until her death at 96, and left her son Charles to waiting 73 years to take the job he was born to. But abdication is not so despised in other countries. In recent decades more monarchs have elected to retire and pass the throne on to the next generation. Thus allowing them to spend their golden years relaxing
Yaa Asantewaa, Asante Warrior Queen
Yaa Asantewaa rose to become a Queen mother in the Asante Kingdom in what is modern day Ghana. But when the King was captured and exiled by the British, she refused to hand over the sacred golden stool. She gave a powerful speech inspiring women and men to rise up and fight the British colonizers and was appointed head of the Asante army.
First, let’s set the stage with a brief history of the Asan
Princesses of Wales
In September 2022 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge became Princess of Wales, the title previously held by her late mother in law, Diana. Let’s meet the 16 Princesses of Wales, both Native Welsh and English royal...
Joan, Lady of Wales
Isabella de Braose
Eleanor de Montfort
Elizabeth Ferrers
Joan of Kent
Margaret Hanmer
Anne Neville
Catherine of Aragon
Caroline of Ansbach
Augusta of Saxe-Gotha
Carol
Louis XIV's Illegitimate Children
Louis XIV, King of France from 1638 to 1715 was, like all French Kings, expected to have many lovers to prove his virility. And as could be expected in a time before reliable birth control, he also had large a crop of illegitimate children. Last week we met 13 of Louis’ mistresses. Today we’ll meet the 16 resulting offspring:
Marie Anne de Bourbon
Louis, Count of Vermandois
Louis Auguste, Duke of
Louis XIV's Mistresses
Louis XIV, King of France from 1638 to 1715, ruled over the court at Versailles with the sheer magnetism of his personality. All were desperate to be in the light of the sun king. His image was paramount to maintaining his place at the center of the Universe. The 5’4” monarch wore high heels and voluminous wigs. And he made sure the world knew he was a virile man with plenty of mistresses. While a
Empress Wu Zetian of China
Empress Wu Zetian rose from royal concubine to become the only female ruler in China’s 2,000 years of imperial history. Today she is seen as ruthless, tyrannical and willing to murder her own family to hold onto the throne. However this female leader has suffered from a millennium of bad propaganda. Many of the shocking and devious actions she took to claim and hold power overshadow the good she d
Royalty 101: What is the Order of the Garter?
The Most Noble Order of the Garter sneaks into so many of my videos. Nearly ever significant member of the English and British royal family since the 1300s, and a number of foreign royals have been knights or ladies of the garter. And the symbols of the order can be spotted in SO. MANY. ROYAL. PORTRAITS. if you know where to look. Most recently the order made an appearance in pop culture when Will
3 Spooky Christmas Episodes
Throughout history, the cold, dark and hungry winter season had been infused with a certain spooky feeling of dread. Festivals like saturnalia, yule and eventually Christmas brought light to the darkness. But that lingering since of foreboding still underlines the festive season, no mater how much we make merry. Today let’s unearth 3 of my favorite early episodes, all on the theme of Spooky Christ
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