logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
53m 7s

Catherine of Braganza: Loyalty, Politic...

RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson
About this episode

Catherine of Braganza, Charles II’s Portuguese queen, faced political turmoil, religious strife, and a scandalous court—yet her influence endured. In this episode, historian Susan Abernethy joins me to discuss her book on Catherine’s remarkable life, from royal duty to lasting legacy. Don’t miss this fascinating look at a queen who shaped England in unexpected ways!

Book: Charles II's Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza


Website: The Freelance History Writer

--

Would you prefer a commercial-free experience? Head over to Patreon!

Love to read about royal history? Head over to my website: https://tudorsdynasty.com

--

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Susan Abernethy


Up next
Today
Medieval Beauty: Medieval Beauty: Secrets, Standards, and Surprising Trends (Replay)
<p><em>*This was an extremely popular episode from November 2024, with Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull (just before she got her PhD) that I wanted to share with you again.</em></p><p>Ever wondered what beauty looked like in the Medieval era? In this episode, we reveal the unexpected secrets ... Show More
58m 17s
Nov 20
Parallel Lives: Jane Boleyn and Henry Parker, Lord Morely
<p>This episode uncovers the story of a Tudor woman (Jane Boleyn) whose name has long been overshadowed by scandal—and the father (Henry Parker, Lord Morley) whose scholarly reputation has endured for centuries. Their lives offer a striking contrast between courtly peril and inte ... Show More
1 h
Nov 18
James IV & James V: The Scottish Kings Who Kept the Tudors Awake at Night
<p>This week, I’m joined by <strong>Dr. Steven Veerapen</strong> to explore the reigns of <strong>James IV and James V of Scotland</strong>—two kings whose decisions, alliances, and rivalries kept the Tudor court on edge.</p><p>We dig into James IV’s pivotal marriage to <strong>M ... Show More
59m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
Catherine de’ Medici: the real Serpent Queen of France
Greg Jenner is joined in 16th-Century France by Dr Estelle Paranque and comedian Shaparak Khorsandi to learn all about controversial queen Catherine de’ Medici.Catherine’s life was dramatic from the moment she was born: orphaned when she was just a few weeks old, she was brought ... Show More
57m 40s
Sep 2
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 hand ... Show More
32m 28s
Jul 2024
Charles II's Lost Queen: Catherine de Braganza
<p>Despite Catherine of Braganza's crucial place in British history, she has always been overshadowed by stories of Charles II’s many mistresses and forgotten as his boring, powerless wife. This could not be further from the truth.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>Not Just the Tu ... Show More
37m 30s
Dec 2024
Royal Mistresses who ALMOST became Queens
Through most of history, monarchs selected wives for their royal blood and political significance. Women they actually liked and were attracted to were relegated to being mere mistresses. These women were usually local aristocrats or even commoners who would not be considered con ... Show More
31m 50s
May 2025
Royal sisters: the tragic lives of Queen Victoria's granddaughters
Victoria, Ella, Irene and Alix of Hesse were four young European princesses and granddaughters of Queen Victoria, whose marriages would change the face of early 20th-century Europe. Speaking to Elinor Evans, Frances Welch introduces the four sisters. She explores their relationsh ... Show More
36m 47s
Dec 2024
Catherine Howard | Secret Lives of the Six Wives
<p>Henry VIII called her his 'rose without a thorn', but the teenage Catherine Howard was to fall out of favour less than 18 months after becoming Queen of England.</p><br><p>Out of all of Henry's wives it could be argued that the young queen, who was a cousin of Anne Boleyn, is ... Show More
37m 38s
Nov 2024
Catherine of Aragon | Secret Lives of the Six Wives
<p>We know the fates of Henry VIII's wives, but what were these iconic women <em>really</em> like?</p><br><p>In the first episode of this limited series, <em>Secret Lives of the Six Wives</em>, we'll explore the ways that Catherine of Aragon was a formidable queen and leader, and ... Show More
36m 17s
Dec 2024
Royal Mistresses who became Queens
Through most of history, Kings selected wives for their royal blood and political significance. Women they actually liked and were attracted to were relegated to being mere mistresses. These women were usually local aristocrats or even commoners who would not be considered conten ... Show More
28m 42s
Sep 16
The Real Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a queen who defied expectations, a duchess who outmanoeuvred kings, and a mother whose dynasty shaped the future of Europe. She is often remembered through myth, gossip, and legend—but the truth is far more fascinating. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Pro ... Show More
1 h
May 2025
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 ... Show More
32m 10s