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The Lost Queen

The Surprising Life of Catherine of Braganza, Britain’s Forgotten Monarch

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About this listen

Despite Catherine of Braganza's crucial place in British history, and that of its Empire, she has since been overshadowed by stories of the king's many mistresses and forgotten as Charles' boring, powerless wife. This could not be further from the truth.

In an absorbing narrative, historian Sophie Shorland not only tells the full story of this long-overlooked figure and her difficult relationship with Charles II, but also reveals how Catherine changed the country in ways both large and small: part of her dowry was Bombay, Britain's first territory on the Indian subcontinent; she also popularized trousers for women, Baroque art and music, and–perhaps most long-lastingly–tea drinking.

©2024 Sophie Shortland (P)2024 W.F. Howes Ltd Europe Great Britain Politics & Activism Royalty Women
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Catherine was most certainly tenacious and able. She can be credited with assisting in continuing the alliance between England/Britain and Portugal. Her marriage to Charles II could be both humiliating, dangerous but also one of companionship.
Sadly I didn't like the reader - spoke slightly too quickly and a little monotone. I would like to have heard more about brief regency of Portugal.

Underrated queen consort

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