Moniek Bloks's Blog, page 112

Wencheng – The Chinese Princess who became Tibet’s beloved Queen

Queen Wencheng is one of Tibet’s most loved queens. She was a Tang Dynasty princess and married King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as part of a marital alliance. She brought many Chinese customs to Tibet, such as agriculture, architecture, and music. Yet, her greatest contribution was spreading Buddhism throughout Tibet. Thus, Queen Wencheng remains a popular icon in both China and Tibet. In Tibet, her arrival and her birthday are still being celebrated.

Queen Wencheng (also known by the Tibetan name, Mun-sen Kon-co) was born around 623 C.E.[1] She was a member of a minor branch of the Li imperial family.[2] Her father was Li Daozong, a cousin of Emperor Taizong. She was adopted and raised by Emperor Taizong of Tang.[3] Emperor Taizong gave his adopted daughter the rank of Princess and educated her in Confucian classical texts.[4] 

In 640 C.E., King Songtsen Gampo (the founder of Tibet) asked Emperor Taizong for a Chinese bride.[5] This was to exchange cultures between Tibet and China.[6] Emperor Taizong also saw the benefits of a marital alliance between Tibet and China.[7] It would secure peace along the borders of China and Tibet.[8] He agreed to the marriage alliance and made Princess Wencheng King Songtsen Gampo’s bride.

In 641 C.E., Princess Wencheng left the capital of Chang’an and journeyed to Lhasa to become Tibet’s Queen.[9] Before she left, Emperor Taizong instructed her in the role she was to play as Queen of Tibet.[10] She was to bring China’s culture and religion to Tibet.[11] She was also to foster good relations between the two countries.[12] Thus, Princess Wencheng understood that she was China’s ambassador in Tibet.[13] Emperor Taizong also gave her silk clothing, jewellery, books (many of which would be housed in Tibetan libraries), and furniture.[14] He also gave her seed-grains and farming equipment that the Tibetans would find useful when they adopted Chinese methods of agriculture and the use of the Chinese lunar calendar.[15] Emperor Taizong also sent instruments that would later inspire Tibetan music.[16] Emperor Taizong also sent artisans who were skilled in science and technology. This would also prove beneficial to the Tibetans, for they would learn how to make paper, weave textiles, make pottery, learn architecture, and ferment wine.[17] Yet, the greatest gift that Emperor Taizong sent to accompany Princess Wencheng was a bronze statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha.[18]

Princess Wencheng was escorted on her journey by Li Daocheng, who was one of her imperial relatives.[19] When she arrived in Tibet, the Tibetans welcomed her by giving her gifts of yaks, cattle, horses, and boats.[20] They also provided her retinue drinks, food, and songs welcoming the Princess to their country.[21] A month after leaving Chang’an, she finally met her groom, King Songtsen Gampo, near Lake Zalin.[22] He accompanied her to Lhasa. He took her to the grand Potala palace that had a thousand rooms (later, it would be the home of the Dalai Lama).[23] They were married in the Guanyin temple.[24] After they were married, King Songtsen Gampo bestowed on her the status of Queen.[25]

Queen Wencheng did not bear King Songtsen Gampo any children.[26] King Songtsen Gampo had four other wives. His four wives were a Princess of Nepal and three other women from Tibet.[27] It would be King Songtsen Gampo’s three Tibetan wives who would have sons to continue his dynasty.[28] Even though she remained childless, Queen Wencheng still changed Tibetan culture through her gifts that she brought with her from China. The Tibetans gave up their nomadic way of life and embraced the Chinese culture.[29] They no longer lived in tents but lived in houses of Chinese architecture.[30] They adopted Chinese agriculture and used the Chinese lunar calendar.[31] They used Chinese stringed instruments.[32] They adopted the Chinese postal service that proved a quicker way of communicating in the country.[33] Many nobles in Tibet also adopted silk clothing.[34] Because they knew how to make paper, King Songtsen Gampo created a new writing system in Tibet based on Sanskrit.[35] This writing system helped the Tibetans write laws, court records, and Buddhist scriptures.[36] They also established trade between Tang China and Tibet.[37] Ever since Queen Wencheng’s arrival, Tibet was never the same.

Queen Wencheng’s greatest contribution to Tibet was spreading Buddhism throughout Tibet.[38] Before Buddhism, the Tibetans practiced a local religion called Bon in which they believed in magic and demons.[39] When Queen Wencheng arrived in Tibet, she built the Jokhang Buddhist temple where she housed her Sakyamuni Buddha statue.[40] She and King Songtsen Gampo planted willow trees in front of the temple.[41] This temple proved so popular among the Tibetans that they abandoned their religion of Bon and began to adopt Buddhism.[42] The Jokhang Buddhist Temple can still be seen today.[43]

In 649 C.E., Emperor Taizong died, and King Songtsen Gampo and Queen Wencheng were greatly saddened. King Songtsen Gampo sent sacrificial offerings for his funeral.[44] He also sent a letter to the new Emperor, Gaozong, assuring him of his loyalty and would aid China militarily whenever they needed help.[45] Emperor Gaozong was grateful to King Songtsen and gave him the position of Magistrate of Xihai.[46]  A year later in 650 C.E.,  King Songtsen Gamp died. Emperor Gaozong was saddened by his death. He sent an eminent court official to attend the Tibetan King’s funeral and to pay his condolences to Queen Wencheng.[47] Queen Wencheng asked Emperor Gaozong to provide a Tang Princess for the new King of Tibet.[48] He ignored the request.[49] It would be another fifty-seven years before the Tang Dynasty would send another princess to Tibet. It would be Princess Jincheng who married Emperor Tride Tsuktsen of Tibet in 707 C.E.[50]

Queen Wencheng never went back to Tang China. She lived in Tibet for forty years.[51] She died in 680 C.E. The Tibetans greatly mourned her death and gave her a funeral that no Tibetan woman ever had before.[52] Her good deeds are recited and recorded. She still remains loved by both China and Tibet today. The dates of her arrival and birthday are still celebrated in Tibet every year.[53] Her story has been told for centuries through plays and songs in both China and Tibet.[54] Tibetans will always remember their Queen and the contributions she has made to help strengthen her adopted country.

Sources:

Peterson, B.B. (2015). “Princess Wencheng”. Notable Women of China: Shang Dynasty to the Early Twentieth Century. (B. B. Peterson, Ed.). London: Routledge.

Jay, J.W. (2014). “Li, Princess Wencheng.” Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women, Volume II: Tang Through Ming 618 – 1644. (L. X. H. Lee, Ed.; A. D. Stefanowska, Ed.; S. Wiles, Ed.). NY: Routledge.

Yuan, H. (2008). Princess Peacock: Tales from Other Peoples of China. (Z. Chunde. Fwd.) Westport: CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

[1] Jay, p. 204

[2] Peterson, p. 186

[3] Peterson, p. 186

[4] Peterson, p. 186

[5] Yuan, p. 168

[6] Peterson, p. 186

[7] Yuan, p. 168

[8] Yuan, p. 168

[9] Jay, p 204

[10] Peterson, p. 187

[11] Peterson, p. 187

[12] Peterson, p. 187

[13] Peterson, p. 187

[14] Peterson, p. 187

[15] Peterson, p. 189

[16] Peterson, p. 189

[17] Peterson, pp. 188-189

[18] Peterson, p. 187

[19] Peterson, p. 187

[20] Peterson, p. 187

[21] Peterson, p. 187

[22] Peterson, p. 187

[23] Peterson, p. 188

[24] Peterson, p. 188

[25] Jay, p. 204

[26] Peterson, p. 188

[27] Peterson, p. 188

[28] Peterson, p. 188

[29] Peterson, p. 188

[30] Peterson, p. 188

[31] Peterson, p. 189

[32] Peterson, p. 189

[33] Peterson, p. 189

[34] Peterson, p. 188

[35] Peterson, p. 189

[36] Peterson, p. 189

[37] Peterson, p. 189

[38] Jay, p. 205

[39] Peterson, p. 188

[40] Peterson, p. 188

[41] Yuan, p. 170

[42] Peterson, p. 188

[43] Yuan, p. 170

[44] Peterson, p. 189

[45] Peterson, p. 189

[46] Peterson, p. 189

[47] Peterson, p. 189

[48] Jay, p. 204

[49] Jay, p. 204

[50] Jay, p. 204

[51] Peterson, p. 190

[52] Peterson, p. 190

[53] Peterson, p. 190

[54] Jay, p. 205

The post Wencheng – The Chinese Princess who became Tibet’s beloved Queen appeared first on History of Royal Women.

Empress Xiaohuizhang – The longest-reigning Empress Dowager in Qing history

Empress Xiaohuizhang was the second of the four empresses of Emperor Shunzhi. She became Empress at the age of 13. She became Empress Dowager at the age of 21, and she would become the longest-reigning Empress Dowager in Qing history.[1] Yet, her enduring legacy was that she was the object of filial piety to Emperor Kangxi. While she did not give birth to Emperor Kangxi, he nevertheless treated her as a respected mother. This relationship between Emperor Kangxi and Empress Xiaohuizhang was to be a model example of how Qing emperors should treat their mothers.[2]

Empress Xiaohuizhang was born on 5 November 1641. Her personal name was Borjigit Alatan Qiqige. She was from the noble Mongol Borjigit clan.[3] Her father was Borjigit Chuo’erji, and her mother was Lady Aisin Goro. Her great aunt was Empress Xiaozhuang.[4] 

On 25 October 1653, Emperor Shunzhi deposed his first Empress, Erdeni Bamba, who was also from the Borjigit clan. He demoted her to Consort Jing. Since early Qing rulers often married women from the Borjigit clan, Emperor Shunzhi had no choice but to replace his first empress with another woman from her clan. At the age of 13, Borjigit Alatan Qiqige entered the Forbidden City to become Emperor Shunzhi’s concubine.[5] In August 1654, Borjigit Alatan Qiqige was invested as Empress.[6] 

Empress Alatan Qiqige maintained a harmonious relationship with Emperor Shunzhi’s concubines. Despite her position, she was often neglected by the Emperor. Instead, the Emperor showered all his affections on Consort Donggo.[7] Emperor Shunzhi was so in love with Consort Donggo that he wanted to depose Empress Alatan Qiqige and make Consort Donggo his Empress.[8] However, Consort Donggo refused and pleaded for the Empress by saying, “If Shizu abolished the Empress, she would definitely not dare to survive.” [9] Because of Consort Donggo’s refusal and intercession, Emperor Shunzhi had no choice but to let Alatan Qiqige retain her position as Empress.[10] It would not be until after Consort Donggo died that Emperor Shunzhi would be able to raise his beloved consort’s status to Empress. Consort Donggo became known in history as the posthumous Empress Xiaoxian.

On 5 February 1661, Emperor Shunzhi died. His third son by Lady Tunggiya (who was also made Empress Dowager Cihe upon her son’s enthronement) ascended the throne as Emperor Kangxi. Because Alatan Qiqige was the Empress Consort to Emperor Shunzhi, she was made Empress Dowager Renxian. Empress Dowager Renxian was 21 years old and childless.[11] Even though she was not Emperor Kangxi’s actual mother, they formed a close relationship. [12]He made sure that she would not be lonely and depressed.[13] He even let her raise his fifth brother.[14] The fifth brother would remain faithful to Emperor Kangxi, and Emperor Kangxi believed that the reason why he had a loyal brother was because of how Empress Dowager Renxian had raised him.[15] 

When Empress Dowager Cihe died on 20 March 1663, Emperor Kangxi honoured Empress Dowager Renxian as his actual mother and turned his duties of a filial son to her.[16] Emperor Kangxi let Empress Dowager Renxian accompany him on inspection tours to Southern China.[17] He sent her expensive food when he was travelling. One time when he was out hunting, he killed a deer and gifted it to Empress Dowager Renxian.[18] He held grand celebrations for her on her 60th and 70th birthdays.[19] During her 70th birthday, Emperor Kangxi even danced for Empress Dowager Renxian.[20] He was also the first Qing Emperor to copy sutras on her birthday for an empress dowager.[21] This filial devotion to Empress Dowager Renxian would inspire Emperor Qianlong to have filial devotion to his own mother, Empress Xiaoshengxian.[22]

During Emperor Kangxi’s 56-year reign, Empress Dowager Renxian fell ill. Emperor Kangxi was ill himself, but he got up from his sickbed to attend to his stepmother because he feared he may not see her again.[23] Empress Dowager Renxian was so weak that she could not speak.[24] Empress Dowager Renxian passed away on 7 January 1718. Emperor Kangxi was so grief-stricken that upon her death, he could not stop crying before he read the sacrificial text.[25] He still cried throughout his reading.[26] She was 77 years old.[27] She had been Empress Dowager for 57 years.[28] She was buried in a separate tomb in the Xiao Mausoleum in the Eastern Qing tombs. She received the posthumous title of Empress Xiaohuizhang.[29] Thus, while she did not get any respect from her husband, she was able to get the respect she deserved from her stepson. She was able to maintain a close bond with Emperor Kangxi and even served as his surrogate mother to whom the Emperor made her an object of filial piety. It is no wonder that the close bond between Emperor Kangxi and Empress Xiaohuizhang inspired the filial piety between Emperor Qianlong and Empress Xiaoshengxian.

Sources:

Chang, M. G. (2007). A Court on Horseback: Imperial Touring and Construction of Qing Rule, 1680-1785 (Harvard East Asian Monographs). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

“Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”. (n.d.). Inf.news. Retrieved on 26 January 2022 from https://inf.news/en/history/992fa1afb....

Wang, D.Y. & Stuart, J. (Ed). (2018). Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644-1912. Salem, MA: Peabody Essex Museum.

[1] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[2] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[3] Chang, 2007

[4] Chang, 2007

[5] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[6] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[7] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[8] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[9] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d., para. 9

[10] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[11] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[12] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[13] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[14] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[15] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[16] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[17] Chang, 2007

[18] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[19] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[20] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[21] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[22] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

[23] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[24] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[25] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[26] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[27] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[28] “Empress Xiaohuizhang was 21 years old as Empress Dowager, not favored by Emperor Shunzhi, but for 57 years as Empress Dowager”, Inf.news, n.d.

[29] Wang & Stuart (Ed.), 2018

 

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Book Review: Recollections: The Memoirs of Victoria Marchioness of Milford Haven by Ilana D. Miller

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Victoria, Marchioness of Milford Haven, was born Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine as the eldest daughter of Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine, and Princess Alice of the United Kingdom. She married Prince Louis of Battenberg in 1884 and was, among others, the mother of Princesses Alice and Louise. She and her husband renounced their German titles in 1917 and became the Mountbattens and Marquess and Marchioness of Milford Haven. She died on 24 September 1950, leaving her memoirs which can now be found in this book.

Recollections: The Memoirs of Victoria Marchioness of Milford Haven contains an introduction to Victoria’s life by Ilana D. Miller before going into the memoirs themselves. They start with her birth and go up to 1914, where Victoria herself ended them and confessed herself to be quite bored of them. An epilogue is added to complete the final years of Victoria’s life.

I am a sucker for memoirs, and this one did not disappoint. Victoria lived through a fascinating period in history, and she did not shy away from writing down what she thinks. This may be in part because these memoirs were never intended for publication, but how lucky for us. The only downside to the book, in my opinion, is the awkward layout. The book contains around 400 photos, and while I enjoyed seeing them, I think these would have been more suited in a photo section in the middle of the book. The placement of the photos means you’re often reading the same page twice, which I found rather annoying.

Nevertheless, Recollections: The Memoirs of Victoria Marchioness of Milford Haven by Ilana D. Miller is a must-have for those interested in Queen Victoria’s descendants. You won’t be disappointed. The book is available now in the US and the UK.

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Royal Jewels – The Canadian Maple-leaf Brooch

The Canadian Maple-Leaf Brooch is a much-worn piece, especially during Canadian engagements – no surprise there!

Embed from Getty Images

The brooch was a gift from King George VI to his wife, Queen Elizabeth, to mark their first State Visit to Canada. It was made by Asprey and “is in the form of a leaf of the Canadian Sugar Maple, the national emblem of Canada.”1 She was seen wearing it during their time in Canada and wore it again the following years as she was inspecting Canadian troops. She also lent it to her daughter in 1951 for her trip to Canada. The brooch also made an appearance during the 1974 visit to Canada. She was last seen wearing it in 2000 as she received the Order of Canada.

Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images

The Queen inherited the brooch in 2002. She was seen wearing it during a 2010 visit to Canada and during a 2008 visit to Canada House. She lent it to her daughter-in-law The Duchess of Cornwall in 2009 and afterwards to her granddaughter-in-law The Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.2

Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images

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First official joint portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released

A new portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge has been released. It is the first official joint portrait of the Duke and Duchess, and it was painted by British portrait artist Jamie Coreth.

The portrait was commissioned in 2021 by the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund as a gift to Cambridgeshire.

Jamie Coreth/Fine Art Commissions

The portrait can be seen at the University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum for an initial period of three years, and it will be loaned to the National Portrait Gallery for a short time in 2023.

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Empress Xiaoshengxian – The respected mother of a filial son

Empress Xiaoshengxian was one of the most respected empresses in Chinese history. She was given many privileges that very few imperial Qing women ever held. She was the mother of Emperor Qianlong. Empress Xiaoshengxian’s relationship with her son was very warm and close. Emperor Qianlong ensured that his mother was provided with honour and comfort. Through her son, she enjoyed wealth and privilege that very few imperial Chinese women ever enjoyed.

Empress Xiaoshengxian was born on 1 January 1693. Her first name was never recorded. Her family was under the Manchurian Trimmed Yellow Banner.[1] Her father was Niohuru Lingju.[2] When Empress Xiaoshengxian’s son became the Qianlong Emperor, the posthumous Lingju would be ennobled with the title of Duke.[3] Empress Xiaoshengxian came from a poor family in Chengde.[4] Ever since she was six, she would shop in the markets looking for daily necessities.[5]

When she was thirteen, she happened to see a group of ladies making their way into the palace as candidates for the imperial concubine selection.[6] Curious about the selection, she followed the ladies into the palace doors.[7] When the palace officials found that she was not on the candidate list, they told Prince Yinzhen, the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi.[8] Prince Yinzhen told them to include her in the last group.[9] Empress Xiaoshengxian was tall and pretty.[10] The palace officials sent her to Prince Yinzhen. She was given the rank of Princess.[11]Initially, Princess Niohuru was not favoured.[12] Prince Yinzhen doted on his primary wife, Princess Ulanara (the future Empress Xiaojingxian), and his other concubines, Geng, Li, and Nian.[13]

In the summer of 1710, Prince Yinzhen contracted a contagious disease. No one wanted to take care of him for fear of contracting the deadly disease.[14] Only Princess Niohuru bravely agreed to nurse him.[15] She nursed him for two months until he recovered. The Prince was grateful to her and began to favour her.[16] A year later, she gave birth to his fourth son, Hongli (the future Emperor Qianlong). When Prince Hongli was eleven-years-old, he was taken to see Emperor Kangxi. Emperor Kangxi liked him and raised him for six months.[17] He also admired Princess Niohuru and praised her as “a person with good fortune.” [18]

On 27 December 1722, Prince Yinzhen ascended the throne as Emperor Yongzheng. Emperor Yongzheng gave Princess Niohuru the title of Imperial Consort Xi.[19] When Empress Xiaojingxian died, she was promoted to “Honored Consort of the West” (the rank just below the Empress) and was put in charge of Emperor Yongzheng’s imperial harem.[20] Emperor Yongzheng died on 8 October 1735. He chose Consort Xi’s son, Prince Hongli, to be the next Emperor. Prince Hongli ascended the throne as Emperor Qianlong. Emperor Qianlong made Honored Consort Xi the Empress Dowager (the highest rank a Qing imperial woman could ever achieve).[21] He gave her the title of “Chongqing”.[22] 

Emperor Qianlong found the palaces of the previous Qing empress dowagers to be unsuitable for his mother.[23] He built a new palace for her.[24] It was his first priority as Emperor.[25] The new palace was completed in 1736, and the Emperor named it the Palace of Longevity and Health. Empress Dowager Chongqing moved into it in 1736. She would reside there for two months each year for the rest of her life.[26] The rest of the year was spent travelling or in other Qing palaces.[27] The Palace of Longevity and Health was located on the western side of the Forbidden City and was very elaborate.[28] It consisted of three buildings: the Main Hall, Rear Hall, and Rearmost Hall.[29] They included areas for court ceremonies and religious activities.[30] It also included the empress dowager’s private living quarters and a theatre where she could watch Chinese opera.[31] Empress Dowager Chongqing was also attended by sixteen palace maids and ninety eunuchs.[32]

Emperor Qianlong’s relationship with his mother was very close.[33] Emperor Qianlong always paid her the utmost respect. He would regularly visit his mother at the Palace of Longevity and Health.[34] He even waited in the side hall of the Palace until his mother received him.[35] She often accompanied him on his inspections throughout the country.[36] Whenever he was separated from his mother, he would send her letters.[37] When Empress Dowager Chongqing fell ill in 1747, Emperor Qianlong stayed nearby.[38] He visited his mother every day and checked her medication until she was well.[39]

Empress Dowager Chongqing and Emperor Qianlong frequently discussed the weather because of the Emperor’s concern about the droughts in his country.[40] Empress Dowager Chongqing also advised him on military and political matters with Emperor Qianlong.[41] This was a rare privilege for a Qing imperial woman. Qing imperial women were not allowed to interfere in politics, but Emperor Qianlong looked to his mother for advice.[42] One example was in the promotion of Fuheng (Emperor Qianlong’s brother-in-law). In 1748, Fuheng suppressed a rebellion in Jinchuan (modern-day Sichuan Province).[43] She advised her son to reward Fuheng by ennobling him as a Duke.[44] Emperor Qianlong agreed to the decision and made Fuheng “Duke of Loyalty and Bravery.” [45] In reverence to his mother, Emperor Qianlong also gave Empress Dowager Chongqing credit for military success and gave her another honorary title.[46]

Every year on Empress Dowager Chongqing’s birthday, the Emperor would hold grand banquets for her.[47] However, Empress Dowager Chongqing’s sixtieth, seventieth, and eightieth birthdays were her most elaborate.[48] The whole nation celebrated.[49] She received priceless gifts, including the 108-volume Kanjur Sutra.[50] Paintings of her portrait were commissioned for her.[51] On those three birthdays, the ministers were promoted, the common people were not taxed, and a general amnesty for prisoners was granted.[52] Because Empress Dowager Chongqing had been honoured with many gifts from her son, she had a fine art collection.[53] She had many pieces of jade objects, wish-granting sceptres, books, paintings, and calligraphy works.[54] She also had ceramics and lacquerware.[55] When Empress Dowager Chongqing turned eighty, the Emperor was impressed with his mother’s old age. The Emperor wrote, “[I] reached sixty while [my] mother has lived to eighty years, who has ever seen a precedent in history?” [56] On 2 March 1777, Empress Dowager Chongqing died. She was 86 years old. Her last recorded words were:

“I have already reached the ripe old age of 86. I have been mothering the state and enjoying the respectful care [of the emperor] for forty-two years. Thanks to the accolades [bestowed upon me], I received three honorific titles. Three grand celebrations were held for my birthdays. Now the great state is unified, and I enjoy a family of five generations. Looking back in history, this is indeed a rare circumstance. As I revel in many blessings and good fortune in old age, I have no more regrets.”[57]

Empress Dowager Chongqing asked the Emperor to mourn for her for a hundred days.[58] He did as she wished. She was buried in the East Tailing Mausoleum. Emperor Qianlong gave his mother the posthumous title of “Empress Xiaoshengxian.” [59] Her memorial tablet was moved to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and a general amnesty was granted to all prisoners.[60] 

Empress Xiaoshengxian had enjoyed honour, wealth, and privilege for 42 years. She had a filial son who gave her the devotion and respect she deserved. Emperor Qianlong put his mother first before all others. His first priority as Emperor was building her an elaborate palace for her comfort and enjoyment. Emperor Qianlong’s filial devotion to his mother ensured that Empress Xiaoshengxian died with no regrets. Empress Xiaoshengxian has recently been an icon in popular culture. A hit tv drama called Empresses in the Palace (where she is portrayed by the famous Betty Sun) is loosely based upon her life. She is also portrayed by Vivian Wu in Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace and by Song Chunli in the Story of Yanxi Palace. Due to the use of popular culture, Emperor Qianlong’s filial respect for his mother will never be forgotten.

Sources:

Chang, M. G. (2007). A Court on Horseback: Imperial Touring and Construction of Qing Rule, 1680-1785 (Harvard East Asian Monographs). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Shu, L. (2018). “Empress Dowager Chongqing and the Palace of Longevity and Health”. Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644-1912. (D. Y. Wang, Ed., J. Stewart, Ed.). Salem, MA: Peabody Essex Museum.

Wang, D. & Shing, S. W. (2015). “Empress Xiao Sheng Xian of the Niohuru Clan”. Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women v. 1: The Qing Period, 1644-1911 (1st ed.). (L. X. H. Lee, Ed.; C. Lau, Ed.; A.D. Stefanowska,. Ed.; S. Wiles, Asst. Ed.) NY: Routledge.

[1] Wang & Shing p. 352

[2] Chang, p. 102

[3] Wang & Shing p. 352

[4] Chang, p. 101

[5] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[6] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[7] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[8] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[9] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[10] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[11] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[12] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[13] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[14] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[15] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[16] Wang & Shing, p. 352

[17] Wang & Shing, pp. 352-353

[18] Wang & Shing, p. 353

[19] Wang & Shing, p. 353

[20] Wang & Shing, p. 353

[21] Shu, p. 78

[22] Wang & Shing, p. 353

[23] Shu, p. 78

[24] Shu, p. 79

[25] Shu, p. 79

[26] Shu, p. 79

[27] Shu, p. 79

[28] Shu, p. 80

[29] Shu, p. 80

[30] Shu, p. 80

[31] Shu, p. 80

[32] Shu, p. 84

[33] Shu, p. 84

[34] Shu, p. 84

[35] Shu, p. 84

[36] Chang, p. 102

[37] Shu, p. 84

[38] Shu, p. 84

[39] Shu, p. 84

[40] Shu, p. 84

[41] Shu, p. 84

[42] Shu, p. 84

[43] Shu, p. 84

[44] Shu, p. 84

[45] Shu, p. 84

[46] Shu, p. 84

[47] Wang & Shing, p. 353

[48] Shu, p. 84

[49] Wang & Shing, p. 353

[50] Shu, p. 84

[51] Shu, p. 84

[52] Wang & Shing, p. 353

[53] Shu, p. 85

[54] Shu, p. 85

[55] Shu, p. 85

[56] Shu, p. 86

[57] Shu, pp. 86-87

[58] Wang & Shing, p. 353

[59] Wang & Shing, p. 354

[60] Wang & Shing, p. 354

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Design & Dynasty – An exhibition of splendid grandeur

*Part of a press trip*

While the Netherlands seems to have forgotten the 250th anniversary of the birth of King William I of the Netherlands, the city of Fulda in Germany has embraced it as an opportunity to showcase its links to the Dutch King. William ruled the Kingdom of the Netherlands between 1815 and his abdication in 1840, but before that, he was Prince of Nassau-Orange-Fulda between 1802 and 1806. This principality was created to compensate his father for the loss of his lands in the Low Countries, and his father accepted the offer in favour of his son.

His reign was to be shortlived, and in October 1806, Fulda was occupied by the French, and William lost the principality. Nevertheless, his short reign in Fulda is seen as training for him and helped him prepare for his future as King of the Netherlands. Fulda is also one of the locations on the Orange Route, which is 2300 kilometres long and takes you to 23 German cities, which all have a connection to the Dutch royal house.

The exhibition Design & Dynasty has taken over the Stadtschloss or City Palace in Fulda for the summer. The palace is also in use as a city hall, although you can also tour the place. The curator is Nicole Uniquole, who has incorporated some modern surprises. The exhibition is spread out over several rooms and floors, and it has a huge number of items from the Royal Collections (Koninklijke Verzamelingen) in the Netherlands. In addition, there’s an audio tour which you can open on your own phone with a QR code.

Once you reach the top of the stairs, you are met by the man of the hour – William.

William (and the curator Nicole Uniquole) (Photo by Moniek Bloks)

You are then led through rooms with, for example, a huge blown-up letter from William’s wife Wilhelmina to their daughter Louise telling her how lovely Fulda is, sparkling jewels, the desk at which the constitution was written and even a little church book belonging to Queen Emma. The baroque castle is amazing as a backdrop for this exhibition, and there’s even a room with mirrors on the floor where you can take selfies with the grand ceiling.

Click to view slideshow.

Several modern elements are included in the exhibition, such as prints, mirrors, dresses, furniture and artwork (which had serious Winterhalter vibes). Quite impressive were the huge heraldic lion made from glass and the entire miniature room, which also comes with its own publication.

Click to view slideshow.

The final room of the exhibition is dedicated to modern takes on the clothes and is set up in a ballroom style. This is also where visitors exit the building and go into the garden.

Click to view slideshow.

The exhibition is well worth a visit, and do not hesitate as it will only run until 28 August 2022. The Stadtschloss is open every day and a regular ticket will cost you €12.00. You can find more information here.

I will leave you with a quote from my book about Princess Carolina of Orange-Nassau, who was William’s aunt and godmother. Shortly after his birth, she wrote “I accept with much satisfaction the title of godmother of which you do me the honour of giving me. I embrace my two godchildren often in thought … I am curious to know if Loulou will call her brother Bololo and if the little chap will patiently endure it as his father did.” The little chap did quite well for himself!

 

 

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Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

On 20 June 1897, Queen Victoria became the first British monarch in history to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

She had surpassed her grandfather, King George III, the previous year as the longest-reigning British monarch, but she celebrated that privately. She wrote in her journal, “Today is the day on which I have reigned longer, by a day, than any English sovereign, and the people wished to make all sorts of demonstrations, which I have asked them not do until I had completed the sixty years next June. But notwithstanding that this was made public in the papers, people of all kinds and ranks, from every part of the kingdom, sent congratulatory telegrams, and they kept coming in all day.”1

(public domain)

During the following Diamond Jubilee year, Queen Victoria was celebrated throughout the Empire. However, she was unable to walk up the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral, so an open-air service was held so she could remain inside her carriage. The Princess of Wales patted her hand as the Queen wept. Seventeen carriages with other members of the royal family followed her.

(public domain)

As much as the public wanted to celebrate, Victoria did not want any unnecessary expenses, and she ordered that no reigning Kings and Queens were to be invited. Her grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II, was reportedly furious.

The day itself was declared a bank holiday, and there was a procession of troops from the British army and navy, as well as troops from Canada, India and Africa. Thousands took place in street parties, and a chain of beacons was lit across the country. There was also a garden party and a state banquet to mark the occasion.

(public domain)

Queen Victoria wrote in her journal, “A never-to-be-forgotten day. No one ever, I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me, passing through those six miles of streets… The crowds were quite indescribable, and their enthusiasm was truly marvellous and deeply touching. The cheering was quite deafening, and every face seemed to be filled with real joy.

“At a quarter-past eleven, the others being seated in their carriages long before, and having preceded me a short distance, I started from the State entrance in an open State landau, drawn by eight creams, dear Alix, looking pretty in lilac, and Lenchen2 sitting opposite me. I felt a good deal agitated and had been so all these days, for fear anything might be forgotten or go wrong.

“Before leaving I touched an electronic button, by which I started a message which was telegraphed throughout the whole Empire. It was the following: ‘From my heart I thank my beloved people, May God bless them!’ At this time the sun burst out. Vicky3 was in the carriage nearest to me, not being able to go in mine, as her rank as Empress prevented her sitting with her back to horses, for I had to sit alone.”4

On her return to Germany, Queen Victoria’s daughter wrote home, “I am so thankful I witnessed the ceremonies of your Jubilee and left you looking so well, in spite of being tired which indeed you must be. It was a never-to-be-forgotten time – enthusiasm and loyalty for you in the very air, and all went off so well, and was so well organised, and on the whole the weather was most favourable. Your guests were all delighted, I am sure, and went away with grateful hearts.”5

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Empress Zhangsun – Emperor Taizong’s fine assistant

Empress Zhangsun was the wife of Emperor Taizong of Tang. She has been the role model of a virtuous empress for many centuries. She gave her husband constructive advice that would help him run the nation effectively. Empress Zhangsun was also a prolific writer and poet. She wrote a ten-volume book called The Principles of Women. In this book, she focuses on the virtues of past Chinese women. Thus, Empress Zhangsun’s story proves that she was worthy of being a virtuous role model for later generations of women.

Empress Zhangsun was born in 601 C.E.[1] She was of Xianbei origins.[2] She was descended from the Tuoba clan that had once ruled the Northern Wei dynasty.[3] The Tuoba clan was from Luoyang, which is why some historians say that she was born in Luoyang.[4] Empress Zhangsun’s family later changed their name from Tuoba to Zhangsun due to the positions they held under the Sui dynasty.[5] Because Empress Zhangsun’s family worked for the Sui, other historians believe that she was born in the Sui capital of Chang’an.[6]

Empress Zhangsun’s father was Zhangsun Shen, who served under the Sui as a palace guard.[7] Her mother was Lady Gao, the daughter of the Governor of Yangzhou.[8] She had three half-brothers named Zhangsun Anye, Zhangsun Xinghu, and Zhangsun Heng’an.[9] She also had a full-blooded brother named Zhangsun Wuji. Her father died when she was nine years old, and Zhangsun Anye kicked Empress Zhangsun and her brother out of the house.[10] Their uncle, Gao Shilan, took the two children in and brought them up in his household.[11] 

Empress Zhangsun had a passion for reading.[12] She especially loved reading biographies about virtuous women, and these women were to serve as her role models throughout the rest of her life.[13] Empress Zhangsun also had a love of portraits and often looked at them.[14] When she was thirteen, she became a concubine to Li Shimin, son of the Duke of Tang.[15] When Li Shimin’s father, Li Yuan, decided to rebel against the Sui dynasty, he ordered all his sons to raise an army. Li Shimin raised an army, and Lady Zhangsun’s brother, Zhangsun Wuji, fought alongside him.[16] Thus, Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji established a deep friendship.[17]

In 618 C.E., Li Yuan overthrew Sui and founded the Tang Dynasty. He became Emperor Gaozu. Emperor Gaozu made Li Shimin the Prince of Qin.[18] Lady Zhangsun was made Li Shimin’s primary wife. Thus, she became the Princess of Qin. In 626 C.E., Li Shimin fought with his two brothers, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, for the throne. Princess Zhangsun supported her husband’s cause as the next Emperor.[19] Li Shimin’s two brothers became allies to eliminate him. They gathered 500 men at Xuanwu Gate waiting to kill Li Shimin. However, Li Shimin quickly discovered his brothers’ plan. He gathered his own troops, including Zhangsun Wuji.[20] Princess Zhangsun gave a rousing speech that inspired many men to fight and die for Li Shimin.[21] Li Shimin’s army marched to Xuanwu Gate and fought his brothers’ army. His brothers died during the battle, and Li Shimin established victory.[22] He was made Crown Prince.[23] In 627 C.E., Emperor Gaozu abdicated in favour of his son. Li Shimin ascended the throne as Emperor Taizong, and Zhangsun became Empress.[24] 

Empress Zhangsun was known to be a virtuous empress.[25] When Emperor Taizong’s concubines fell ill, she would bring them food and medicine.[26] Empress Zhangsun also encouraged frugality within the palace and did not interfere in politics.[27] She did not believe in promoting her family members, and she often persuaded her brother to refuse court positions.[28] Instead, Emperor Taizong gave him an honorary title as “Commander Unequal in Honor”.[29] Empress Zhangsun gave birth to six children. Three of them were sons, and the other three were daughters. When one of her daughters named Princess Changle was about to be married, many courtiers wanted to give the imperial family extravagant gifts.[30] However, Prime Minister Wei Zheng disagreed with the extravagance.[31] Empress Zhangsun approved of Wei Zheng’s advice, rewarded him, and praised his virtue.[32] 

Empress Zhangsun loved to spend her time reading and discussing history with Emperor Taizong.[33] Empress Zhangsun also advised Emperor Taizong to listen to his officials’ advice and criticism.[34] She believed that by listening to constructive criticism, he could grow as an Emperor.[35] She also told him to rely on Wei Zheng as Prime Minister because he was a virtuous and skilled administrator.[36] Emperor Taizong was so impressed with Empress Zhangsun’s advice that he said to his officials, “Empress offers excellent advice. I benefit greatly.” [37]

One day, Emperor Taizong was about to execute one of his horsemen because his horse had died suddenly.[38] Empress Zhangsun saved the horseman by saying, “Honest words do not often please one’s ears, but every ruler of the state and head of the family should understand their importance. If one cannot act justly, then one cannot control society. If good advice is not heeded, politics will be chaotic. If your majesty learns this lesson well, it will benefit all people of society.” [39]

Empress Zhangsun also saved Wei Zheng and Fuan Xuanling from execution. The Emperor had a heated argument with them about state matters and wanted to execute them but was stopped by Empress Zhangsun.[40] She reminded the Emperor of their service to him.[41] Later, when Empress Zhangsun was on her deathbed, Emperor Taizong would reinstate Fuan Xuanling.[42]

In 636 C.E., Empress Zhangsun fell ill. As she lay dying, the Crown Prince proposed to pardon the criminals and heretics.[43] She refused to do so because, with all criminals and heretics set loose in the country, it could bring great ruin to the nation and its people.[44] Empress Zhangsun also asked for a simple burial.[45] Then, Empress Zhangsun died on 28 July 636 C.E. She was thirty-five. She was buried in the Zhao-ling Mausoleum.[46] 

Empress Zhangsun was known to be a prominent writer. During her lifetime, she composed a ten-volume book called The Principles of Women.[47] This book was about the virtues of past Chinese women.[48] When Emperor Taizong learned about her work after her death, he read it and believed it was good enough to be published.[49] Unfortunately, her book no longer survives.[50] Instead, we are left with one small poem that was recorded in The Poems of the Tang Dynasty.[51] It went:

“Peach flowers of the imperial garden, brilliant in the morning,

The glamorous orchid-room concubine has spring fever.

Her face steals the hue of the new peach flower by the well,

Her slight body moves like the tender willow branch under the eaves.

Watching butterflies flitting among the flowers,

Listening to the oriole’s songs, long then short, in the trees.

No need to ask in a faraway forest,

She has long been known as a fabulous romantic lover.[52]

Emperor Taizong deeply mourned the loss of his beloved wife.[53] He told his ministers that he had lost one of his best assistants.[54] He would always remember her advice and would never forget her.[55] Because of Empress Zhangsun’s wise counsel, Emperor Taizong was able to see both his strengths and weaknesses as a ruler.[56] Due to her wisdom, Tang China became a strong nation.[57] Her greatest legacy was her constructive criticism, and later generations would look up to her as a role model.[58] Historians have referred to Empress Zhangsun as “the fine assistant of the Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty” [59]. This is fine praise for a woman who put the welfare of the nation before her own interests.

Sources:

Ruizhi, S. & Li, M.. (2015).” Empress Shunxian”. Notable Women of China: Shang Dynasty to the Early Twentieth Century. (B. B. Peterson, Ed.). London: Routledge.

McMahon, K. (2013). Women Shall Not Rule: Imperial Wives and Concubines in China from Han to Liao. NY: Rowman and Littlefield.

Liu, N. & Cui, H. S. (2014). “Zhangsun, Empress of Emperor Taizong of Tang.” Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women, Volume II: Tang Through Ming 618 – 1644. (L. X. H. Lee, Ed.; A. D. Stefanowska, Ed.; S. Wiles, Ed.). NY: Routledge.

[1] Ruizhi & Li, p. 181

[2] McMahon, p. 188

[3] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[4] Liu & Cui, p.606

[5] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[6] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[7] Ruizhi & Li, p. 181

[8] Ruizhi & Li, p. 181

[9] Ruizhi & Li, p. 181

[10] Ruizhi & Li, p. 181

[11] Ruizhi & Li, p. 181

[12] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[13] Liu & Cui, p.  606

[14] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[15] Ruizhi & Li, p. 181

[16] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[17] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[18] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[19] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[20] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[21] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[22] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[23] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[24] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[25] Ruizhi & Li, p. 181

[26] Ruizhi & Li, p. 182

[27] Liu & Cui, p. 607; McMahon, p. 188;

[28] Ruizhi & Li, p.  182

[29] Liu & Cui, p. 607

[30] Ruizhi & Li, p. 183

[31] Ruizhi & Li, p. 183

[32] Ruizhi & Li, p. 183

[33] Ruizhi & Li, p. 183

[34] Liu & Cui, p. 607

[35] Liu & Cui, p. 607

[36] Liu & Cui, p. 607

[37] Ruizhi & Li, p. 183

[38] Ruizhi & Li, p. 183

[39] Ruizhi & Li, pp. 183-184

[40] Ruizhi & Li, p. 184

[41] Ruizhi & Li, p. 184

[42] Ruizhi & Li, p. 184

[43] Ruizhi & Li, p. 184

[44] Ruizhi & Li, p. 184

[45] Liu & Cui, p. 607

[46] Ruizhi & Li, p. 184

[47] Ruizhi & Li, p. 184

[48] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[49] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

[50] Liu & Cui, p. 606

[51] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

[52] Liu & Cui, p, 607

[53] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

[54] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

[55] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

[56] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

[57] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

[58] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

[59] Ruizhi & Li, p. 185

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Book News July 2022

The Platinum Queen: Over 75 Speeches Given by Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch 

Hardcover – 5 May 2022 (UK) & 1 July 2022 (US)

For the first time, all 70 of the Queen’s Christmas speeches are published together in full, along with six additional feature speeches made at significant points in her life.

Elizabeth I’s Final Years: Her Favourites and Her Fighting Men 

Hardcover – 7 July 2022 (US & 11 May (UK)

Elizabeth I’s Final Years outlines the interwoven relationships and rivalries between politicians and courtiers surrounding England’s omnipotent queen in the years following the death in 1588 of the Earl of Leicester. Elizabeth now surrounded herself with magnetically attractive younger men with the courtly graces to provide her with what Alison Weir has called ‘an eroticized political relationship’.

Royal London: Colourful Tales of Pomp and Pageantry From London’s Past and Present 

Paperback – 19 July 2022 (US)

From Westminster to Greenwich, Kensington to the Tower of London, no other city in the world is steeped in quite as much royal history as London. Overflowing with royal boroughs, royal palaces, royal parks and gardens, London has played host to key historical events for over a thousand years. Royal London brings together the best of the drama and intrigue of royal history, and guides readers to the very spot where the events happened.

Queen Elizabeth II: A Glorious 70 Years 

Hardcover – 4 July 2022 (US) & 9 May 2022 (UK)

Queen Elizabeth II has now been on the throne for a glorious 70 years. This book pays tribute to this long-serving monarch charting her journey, in words and pictures, from the 25-year-old young woman who ascended to the throne in 1953 to the much loved elder stateswoman of today.

Joan of Navarre: Infanta, Duchess, Queen, Witch? 

Paperback – 28 July 2022 (US & UK)

This book is the first full-length biography of Joan of Navarre, a fascinating royal woman who became duchess of Brittany and queen consort of England through her two marriages in 1386 and 1403 respectively.

Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France and England, Mother of Empires

Paperback – 15 July 2022 (UK) & 15 November 2022 (US)

In the competition for remarkable queens, Eleanor of Aquitaine tends to win. In fact her story sometimes seems so extreme it ought to be made up. The headlines: orphaned as a child, Duchess in her own right, Queen of France, crusader, survivor of a terrible battle, kidnapped by her own husband, captured by pirates, divorced for barrenness, Countess of Anjou, Queen of England, mother of at least five sons and three daughters, supporter of her sons’ rebellion against her own husband, his prisoner for fifteen years, ruler of England in her own right, traveller across the Pyrenees and Alps in winter in her late sixties and seventies, and mentor to the most remarkable queen medieval France was to know (her own granddaughter, obviously).

Sister-Queens in the High Hellenistic Period: Kleopatra Thea and Kleopatra III (Routledge Studies in Ancient History) 

Hardcover – 22 July 2022 (UK)

This volume, the first full-length study of Kleopatra III and Kleopatra Thea and their careers as queens of Egypt and Syria, thoroughly examines the roles and ideology of royal daughters, wives, and queens in Egypt, the ancient Near East, and ancient Israel and provides a comprehensive study of the iconography, public image, and titles of each queen and their cultural precedents. In addition, this book also offers an introduction to the critical concept of the ‘High Hellenistic Period’ and the maturation of royal female power in the second century BCE.

Marguerite of Valois: Queen of Navarre and France, 1553-1615 (Women Who Changed the Course of History) 

Kindle Edition – 17 July 2022 (US & UK)

E.R. Chamberlin uncovers the turbulent life of this fascinating queen as civil strife deteriorated in the nation and her marriage broke down after years of being unable to produce an heir leading to her eventual exile. Drawing upon Marguerite’s own remarkable Memoirs and numerous other sources, Chamberlin’s well-researched book overcomes the myths depicting her as a scarlet woman, and instead reevaluates the life of this magnificent queen and the tragic period through which she lived.

Later Plantagenet and the Wars of the Roses Consorts: Power, Influence, and Dynasty (Queenship and Power) 

Hardcover – 14 July 2022 (US & UK)

This book examines the lives and tenures of the consorts of the Plantagenet dynasty during the later Middle Ages, encompassing two major conflicts―the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of the Roses. The figures in this volume include well-known consorts such as the “She Wolves” Isabella of France and Margaret of Anjou, as well as queens who are often overlooked, such as Philippa of Hainault and Joan of Navarre. These innovative and authoritative biographies bring a fresh approach to the consorts of this period―challenging negative perceptions created by complex political circumstances and the narrow expectations of later writers, and demonstrating the breadth of possibilities in later medieval queenship. Their conclusions shed fresh light on both the politics of the day and the wider position of women in this age. This volume and its companions reveal the changing nature of English consortship from the Norman Conquest to today.

Tudor and Stuart Consorts: Power, Influence, and Dynasty (Queenship and Power)

Hardcover – 18 July 2022 (US & UK)

This book examines the lives and tenures of all the consorts of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs of England between 1485 and 1714, as well as the wives of the two Lords Protector during the Commonwealth. The figures in Tudor and Stuart Consorts are both incredibly familiar―especially the six wives of Henry VIII―and exceedingly unfamiliar, such as George of Denmark, the husband of Queen Anne. These innovative and authoritative biographies recognise the important role consorts played in a period before constitutional monarchy: in addition to correcting popular assumptions that are based on limited historical evidence, the chapters provide a fuller picture of the role of consort that goes beyond discussions of exceptionalism and subversion. This volume and its companions reveal the changing nature of English consortship from the Norman Conquest to today.

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