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 relationships with one another, and reveals how their stories stretch from the court of th ... Show More
Jul 7
The Mitford Sisters | 1 : life of the week
For much of the 20th century, six sisters from Britain’s minor aristocracy had a knack for making headline after scandalous headline. They were Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica and Deborah Mitford. Now, the sisters' incredible shared story has been adapted into a TV drama cal ... Show More
49m 28s
Mar 2025
Catherine of Braganza: Loyalty, Politics, and Heartbreak
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 le ... Show More
53m 7s
Nov 2024
Catherine of Aragon | Secret Lives of the Six Wives
We know the fates of Henry VIII's wives, but what were these iconic women really like?
In the first episode of this limited series, Secret Lives of the Six Wives, we'll explore the ways that Catherine of Aragon was a formidable queen and leader, and why, perhaps, she's been misun ... Show More
36m 17s
Dec 2024
Catherine Howard | Secret Lives of the Six Wives
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.
Out of all of Henry's wives it could be argued that the young queen, who was a cousin of Anne Boleyn, is most deservin ... Show More
37m 38s
May 2024
Royal Maladies: Henry VIII and His Doctor
In this episode, we delve into the intriguing story of Henry VIII, known for his robust health and love of physical activities, and his trusted physician, Thomas Wendy. Discover Wendy's rise from humble beginnings to serving three Tudor monarchs on their deathbeds. Join us as ... Show More
12m 23s