Moniek Bloks's Blog, page 86
March 23, 2023
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story full trailer released
Netflix has released the full trailer for Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
The release date has been set for 4 May 2023. According to Netflix, it will be “Centered on Queen Charlotte’s rise to prominence and power, this Bridgerton-verse prequel tells the story of how the young Queen’s marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton.”
The post Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story full trailer released appeared first on History of Royal Women.
March 22, 2023
Erdet Wenxiu – The Imperial Consort who divorced the Emperor (Part four)
Erdet Wenxiu (formally known as Imperial Consort Shu) had successfully divorced Puyi, the last Emperor of China. She was no longer a royal but a commoner. Did Erdet Wenxiu finally receive the happiness that she so desperately yearned for? This article explores her life after the royal divorce. It also examines whether Erdet Wenxiu ever regretted her decision to divorce the Emperor.
After the royal divorce, Erdet Wenxiu moved back to her mother’s house in Beijing to become an ordinary citizen.[1] Her mother had passed away, and she felt lonely.[2] She hired four servants using Emperor Puyi’s alimony.[3] However, the money soon ran out because of the housing and lawyer fees. Therefore, she had to get rid of her servants.[4] To make a sustainable income, she became a schoolteacher at a rich private school under the name of Yu Fuyang.[5]
At the school, Erdet Wenxiu taught painting and the Chinese language.[6] Wenxiu was very happy with her job and was passionate about the subjects she was teaching.[7] She was well-loved by her students because she always smiled.[8] However, her whereabouts were leaked to the public. Many journalists and the general public crowded around the school to catch a glimpse of the Emperor’s former wife.[9] This was the first time that they had ever seen a member of the royal family.[10] Due to her former imperial status, Erdet Wenxiu was forced to resign from the school.[11]
Erdet Wenxiu began to grow destitute and could not afford to live in the house that Emperor Puyi had once gifted to her mother.[12] She moved into a small courtyard that was owned by a widow.[13] She had some marriage proposals, but she rejected them.[14] Erdet Wenxiu continuously struggled in poverty. She moved bricks, pasted paper boxes, and was even forced to sell cigarettes on the street.[15] She eventually worked as a proofreader for a printing factory.[16]
In 1947, Erdet Wenxiu met her second husband, Liu Zhendong, who was once a major in the Kuomintang Army.[17] When she met him, he was the owner of a car dealership.[18] Through the introduction of a friend, Liu Zhendong met Erdet Wenxiu under her incognito name Yu Fuyang.[19] He was forty years old and had never married. Liu Zhendong liked her immediately because of her passion for books.[20] She was also very proficient in English, which he thought was an unusual talent for a factory girl.[21] He thought she may have been a scholar before and asked about her background. However, Erdet Wenxiu decided to change the topic.[22] Liu Zhendong realized that she did not want to talk about her past, so he never asked her again.[23] He began to pursue her.[24] At first, Erdet Wenxiu was hesitant, but she eventually agreed to their courtship.[25]
Erdet Wenxiu loved Liu Zhendong so much that she decided to break the Emperor’s order of never remarrying.[26] In late 1947, Erdet Wenxiu and Liu Zhendong married. They had a grand wedding at a fancy restaurant.[27] In 1948, due to political turmoil, Liu Zhendong became bankrupt.[28] After the founding of New China, he was interrogated by the new government.[29] When the interrogation was over, the government assigned him as a sanitation worker in the Xicheng District of Beijing.[30] The couple struggled with poverty and lived in a dilapidated house.[31] Erdet Wenxiu began to have health problems, but they were so poor they could not afford her treatment.[32]
On 17 September 1953, Erdet Wenxiu passed away due to a myocardial infarction.[33] She was forty-four years old. Right before she died, she finally revealed her true identity to her husband.[34] Liu Zhendong was stunned.[35] He always believed that she was once a scholar.[36] He could never have imagined that she was the Emperor’s Imperial Consort![37] After her death, Liu Zhendong could not afford to buy a good coffin.[38] Therefore, he handcrafted one for her.[39] He then held a funeral for her, and many of their neighbours attended.[40] Liu Zhendong buried Erdet Wenxiu in the Tucheng Public Cemetery outside of Andingmen.[41] However, he did not have the money to provide a tombstone.[42] Thus, the grave of the last Imperial Consort who lived in the Forbidden City remains unmarked.[43]
Liu Zhendong spent his remaining years mourning his wife.[44] He never remarried. He would sit in front of his house and recalled his marriage with Erdet Wenxiu to his neighbours.[45] He told his neighbours on his deathbed that he had the good fortune of marrying the Emperor’s Consort.[46] He said that this could have never happened in any other lifetime in China’s Imperial history.[47] He also said that since he married Wenxiu, he did not have any regrets in his life.[48]
Erdet Wenxiu was Emperor Puyi’s second wife and the last Imperial Consort to live in the Forbidden City. She was often abused and neglected by Emperor Puyi. Erdet Wenxiu showed her courage and intelligence by divorcing him. Emperor Puyi tried everything he could to stop it, but she ultimately succeeded. Afterwards, she constantly suffered because of poverty. Yet, she did not regret her decision.[49] She finally gained a husband who loved and cherished her.[50] She was happier with him than with the Emperor.[51] Erdet Wenxiu was a champion of women’s rights in the Republic of China.[52] Because of her bold move to divorce the Emperor, many women in unhappy marriages were encouraged to divorce their husbands.[53] It is no wonder that Erdet Wenxiu has won the admiration of many people in China, including Emperor Puyi.
Sources:
6Park.News. (August 24, 2021). “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”. Retrieved on 25 September 2022 from https://6park.news/en/he-married-a-fe....
DayDayNews. (May 28, 2020). “The emperor’s concubine Wenxiu in the late Qing Dynasty: Divorced and remarried a Henan guy, the last words of the husband before his death are too realistic!”. Retrieved on 25 September 2022 from https://daydaynews.cc/en/entertainmen....
DaydayNews. (October 16, 2019) . “The last imperial concubine Wenxiu, after divorcing Puyi, only had 50,000 living expenses, how did he lead a life?”. Retrieved on 25 September 2022 from https://daydaynews.cc/en/history/amp/....
iMedia. (n.d.). “Wenxiu: The only woman who dared to divorce Puyi, married a cleaner for the second time, and only revealed her identity before her death”. Retrieved on 25 September 2022 from https://min.news/en/history/bca7d16d5....
iNews. (n.d.). “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s, true love.”. Retrieved on 25 September 2022 from https://inf.news/en/history/70e066a36....
iNews. (n.d.). “Savings are constantly being wiped out, and after many hard work, Wenxiu has never treated her well after her divorce.” Retrieved on 25 September 2022 from https://inf.news/en/history/013368192....
laitimes. (May 18, 2022). “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”. Retrieved on 25 September 2022 from https://www.laitimes.com/en/article/3....
The World of Chinese. (March 30,2022) “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”. Retrieved on 25 September 2022 from https://www.theworldofchinese.com/202....
Wang, Q. (2014). The Last Emperor and His Five Wives. (Translated by Jiaquan Han et al.). Beijing, China: China Intercontinental Press.
[1] Wang, 2014
[2] Wang, 2014”
[3] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[4] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[5] Wang, 2014
[6] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[7] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[8] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[9] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[10] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[11] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[12] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[13] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[14] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[15] DayDayNews, 16 October 2019, “The last imperial concubine Wenxiu, after divorcing Puyi, only had 50,000 living expenses, how did he lead a life?”
[16] 6Park.News, 24 August 2021, “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the Emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”
[17] 6Park.News, 24 August 2021, “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the Emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”
[18] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[19] iMedia, n.d., “Wenxiu: The only woman who dared to divorce Puyi, married a cleaner for the second time, and only revealed her identity before her death”
[20] 6Park.News, 24 August 2021, “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the Emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”
[21] 6Park.News, 24 August 2021, “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the Emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”
[22] 6Park.News, 24 August 2021, “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the Emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”
[23] 6Park.News, 24 August 2021, “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the Emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”
[24] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[25] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[26] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[27] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[28] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[29] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[30] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[31] laitimes, 18 May 2022, “The last imperial concubine Wen Xiu, why did she have to divorce Bo Yi? Is it really because Bo Yi has a hidden disease?”
[32] DayDayNews, 28 May 2020, “The emperor’s concubine Wenxiu in the late Qing Dynasty: Divorced and remarried a Henan guy, the last words of the husband before his death are too realistic!”
[33] iNews, n.d., “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love.”
[34] iMedia, n.d., “Wenxiu: The only woman who dared to divorce Puyi, married a cleaner for the second time, and only revealed her identity before her death”
[35] 6Park.News, 24 August 2021, “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the Emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”
[36] 6Park.News, 24 August 2021, “He married a female factory worker! I felt that my wife was unusual and only discovered that she was the Emperor of the Qing dynasty after 6 years”
[37] iNews, n.d., “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love”
[38] iNews, n.d., “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love”
[39] iNews, n.d., “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love”
[40] iMedia, n.d., “Wenxiu: The only woman who dared to divorce Puyi, married a cleaner for the second time, and only revealed her identity before her death”
[41] iNews, n.d., “Savings are constantly being wiped out, and after many hard work, Wenxiu has never treated her well after her divorce.”
[42] iNews, n.d., “Savings are constantly being wiped out, and after many hard work, Wenxiu has never treated her well after her divorce.”
[43] iNews, n.d., “Savings are constantly being wiped out, and after many hard work, Wenxiu has never treated her well after her divorce.”
[44] iNews, n.d., “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love”
[45] iNews, n.d., “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love”
[46] DayDayNews, 28 May 2020, “The emperor’s concubine Wenxiu in the late Qing Dynasty: Divorced and remarried a Henan guy, the last words of the husband before his death are too realistic!”
[47] DayDayNews, 28 May 2020, “The emperor’s concubine Wenxiu in the late Qing Dynasty: Divorced and remarried a Henan guy, the last words of the husband before his death are too realistic!”
[48] iNews, n.d., “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love”
[49] DayDayNews, 28 May 2020, “The emperor’s concubine Wenxiu in the late Qing Dynasty: Divorced and remarried a Henan guy, the last words of the husband before his death are too realistic!”
[50] DayDayNews, 28 May 2020, “The emperor’s concubine Wenxiu in the late Qing Dynasty: Divorced and remarried a Henan guy, the last words of the husband before his death are too realistic!”
[51] DayDayNews, 28 May 2020, “The emperor’s concubine Wenxiu in the late Qing Dynasty: Divorced and remarried a Henan guy, the last words of the husband before his death are too realistic!”
[52] The World of Chinese, 30 March 2022, “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”
[53] The World of Chinese, 30 March 2022, “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”
The post Erdet Wenxiu – The Imperial Consort who divorced the Emperor (Part four) appeared first on History of Royal Women.
Villa Windsor to reopen as a museum
The Paris home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor will be turned into a museum, and it will also have a cafe.
A heritage trust has been given the task of turning the run-down villa in the Bois de Boulogne into a permanent museum. The mansion includes 14 rooms and two-acre gardens.
Villa Windsor – United Archives GmbH / Alamy Stock PhotoAfter the death of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, it was supposedly intended to become the home of Diana, Princess of Wales, and she had also visited the home.
The Fondation Mansart, which also maintains the Château de Maintenon, aims to open the Villa Windsor as a museum and exhibition centre in 2024. The work is reportedly budgeted at €8.7 million.
The post Villa Windsor to reopen as a museum appeared first on History of Royal Women.
March 21, 2023
Erdet Wenxiu – The Imperial Consort who divorced the Emperor (Part three)
Erdet Wenxiu (formally known as Imperial Consort Shu) had suffered abuse and neglect from Puyi, the Last Emperor of China. She decided to get out of her marriage by divorcing him. However, it would not be easy. Emperor Puyi was unwilling to agree to it and did everything he could to stop the divorce. His tremendous pressure on her only made Imperial Consort Shu more determined to regain her own freedom. Imperial Consort Shu’s battle with the Emperor would inspire other abused women in China to have the courage to divorce their own husbands. This event became known as The Consort’s Revolution.
On 12 July 1931, Wenshan asked Emperor Puyi if she could take her sister, Imperial Consort Shu, to the city to cheer her up. Emperor Puyi agreed and let them take his special car. Wenshan, Imperial Consort Shu, and her palace eunuch got in the car and drove to the National Grand Hotel. Imperial Consort Shu never saw Emperor Puyi again.[1] Upon her arrival, she met with three lawyers and prepared the divorce documents. Then, she sent her eunuch back to the villa to inform Emperor Puyi about the divorce.[2] Afterwards, she left the National Grand Hotel and stayed with her sister’s friend until the divorce was finalised.[3]
Emperor Puyi was shocked that Imperial Consort Shu had dared to divorce him.[4] There had never been a Consort in Qing Dynasty history who had actually divorced an Emperor.[5] Once the Consort entered the palace, she would remain married to the Emperor until the end of her life.[6] If he were divorced, Emperor Puyi would be publicly humiliated.[7] Emperor Puyi immediately sent his servants to fetch Imperial Consort Shu back to his villa. However, she had already left the National Grand Hotel. Instead, his servants were greeted by her lawyers.[8] Emperor Puyi then sent his servants to look for her in Wenshan’s house, but they were unsuccessful.[9]
Emperor Puyi did not know where to look for Imperial Consort Shu. In order to bring her back, he sent his representatives to meet her lawyers.[10] However, the lawyers sent him the divorce application. They threatened that if he did not agree to the divorce, Imperial Consort Shu would sue the Emperor in court.[11] The courtroom would bring him greater humiliation because it would air the dirty details of the Emperor’s marriage in public and would make for sensational headlines around the world.[12] Hearing the news, Emperor Puyi was infuriated and did not know what to do.[13] He knew he would lose in court because the new Chinese law, which stated that men and women had equal rights, would not be on his side.[14] He was very furious at Imperial Consort Shu because she had brought shame to him and to the Qing Dynasty.[15] He swore that if Imperial Consort Shu was returned to him, she would be severely punished for what she had done.[16] Still, Emperor Puyi needed his Consort to come back to him before it created a huge scandal.[17] Therefore, he had to find ways to reconcile with his wife.[18] However, Imperial Consort Shu refused to see her husband again.[19] She would only meet with her lawyers. Thus, there was no hope for a reconciliation meeting between the couple.[20]
Emperor Puyi gradually began to realise that Imperial Consort Shu would never come back.[21] His initial anger turned into anguish.[22] He began to miss her.[23] He was saddened to learn that all her personal belongings in her room were gone.[24] He expressed his grievances to his eunuch. He told him that he would most likely have no choice but to grant her divorce.[25] He just hoped that Imperial Consort Shu would not take him to court.[26] Emperor Puyi still could not fathom why his wife would divorce him.[27] He was unwilling to let her go because he had some affection for Imperial Consort Shu.[28] He still liked her intelligence, honesty, and literary talent.[29] He continued to make attempts at reconciliation, but he realised it was too late.[30]
Imperial Consort Shu gave a list of five demands for Emperor Puyi to meet if she would return to him again. The first demand was that she lived in a house of her own away from Emperor Puyi.[31] The second was that Emperor Puyi had to pay her 500,000 yuan for her to live on.[32] The third was to let Imperial Consort Shu attend school and go wherever she wanted, including visiting other countries.[33] The fourth was to eliminate her young female attendants who waited on her and for the Emperor to visit her twice a week.[34] The final demand was that there would be no damage to her personal reputation.[35] If these demands were not met, she would continue her divorce proceedings and take the Emperor to court.[36] Emperor Puyi was shocked that Imperial Consort Shu had made demands of him and even asked him for money.[37] He refused all her demands.[38]
The news of Imperial Consort Shu’s divorce proceedings with Emperor Puyi became world headlines.[39] Emperor Puyi’s divorce became the greatest royal scandal of the era and shocked the public because they thought the Emperor enjoyed a happy marriage with his two wives.[40] Because it was rare for a woman to divorce at the time, Imperial Consort Shu was urged by many royalists to return to her husband.[41] However, Imperial Consort Shu desired her freedom.[42] She claimed she wanted to have an ordinary husband who would love her rather than an Emperor.[43] The divorce proceedings became known as The Consort’s Revolution. Imperial Consort Shu immediately became a feminist icon within China because she was the face of women’s rights and malpractices in Chinese marriages.[44] Many women who suffered abuse from their husbands began to get a divorce.[45] Imperial Consort Shu eventually began to gain support from the media. Many of them supported her because they opposed the monarchy.[46] Soon, Emperor Puyi began to be mocked and insulted in the media. This angered him greatly.[47]
On 30 August 1931, the summons that Emperor Puyi had dreaded arrived. [48] He had to undergo interrogation on 2 September 1931. If he did not show up, he would be fined.[49] This summons greatly embarrassed him.[50] However, Imperial Consort Shu and Emperor Puyi decided to discuss the proceedings out of the courtroom.[51] Emperor Puyi turned to Imperial Consort Shu’s clan for help to stop the divorce. He hoped that her family would pressure Imperial Consort Shu to return to him.[52] Her family began to protest against Imperial Consort Shu’s divorce. They told her that since the family benefited from her marriage to the Emperor, she should go back to him.[53] If she continued her divorce, then they would lose all the privileges that the Emperor had given them.[54] They also said that since she is the subject of the Emperor, she has to do whatever he commands, even if he orders her to die.[55] Puyi was the Emperor, and this demanded her obedience.[56] Her family’s pressure did not have the effect on her that Emperor Puyi had expected. Instead, it only strengthened her resolve to divorce him.[57]
Emperor Puyi tried to do everything he could to stop the divorce, but Imperial Consort Shu still would not be persuaded. He made more reconciliations, but she turned them down.[58] He even made a condition that if she divorced him, she could not marry again.[59] Much to his shock, Imperial Consort Shu agreed to his condition.[60] Emperor Puyi did not want a divorce, but he could not stop it because of her determination.[61] He expressed his helplessness to his eunuchs.[62] He asked them what had led him to this moment and why Imperial Consort Shu was so determined to divorce him.[63] He told them that he felt he had brought great shame to his royal ancestors.[64] Against his will, Emperor Puyi finally agreed to the divorce.[65]
On 22 October 1931, Emperor Puyi and Imperial Consort Shu officially divorced. Emperor Puyi gave her alimony of 55,000 yuan. They also agreed not to damage each other’s reputation.[66] The next day, Wenxiu was stripped of all her imperial titles and was demoted from a royal to a commoner.[67] She was expelled to her mother’s house and was ordered never to marry again.[68] Emperor Puyi wrote an article detailing how anguished he was over his divorce.[69] He found himself in admiration of Imperial Consort Shu’s tenacity to divorce him and felt sorry for how she was treated during their marriage.[70] However, he refused to believe he had ever wronged her. Emperor Puyi placed all the responsibility and blame for Imperial Consort Shu’s mistreatment solely on Empress Wanrong.[71]
Erdet Wenxiu finally won the battle against Emperor Puyi. Imperial Consort Shu was resolute, courageous, and daring. This earned her Emperor Puyi’s admiration. Erdet Wenxiu was married to Emperor Puy for nine years. After her divorce, did she finally gain the happiness that she had fought so hard to achieve? The next article will explore her life as a commoner. It will examine whether Erdet Wenxiu ever achieved her personal happiness and if she ever regretted her decision to divorce the Emperor.
Part four coming soon.
Sources:
iNews. (n.d.). “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love”. Retrieved on 22 September 2022 from https://inf.news/en/history/70e066a36....
iNews. (n.d.). “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky” Retrieved on 22 September 2022 from https://inf.news/en/history/e45d88f73....
iNews. (n.d.). “What was the reason for this last imperial concubine to choose to divorce?”. Retrieved on 22 September 2022 from https://inf.news/en/history/a28fa9080....
Luju Bar. (May 25, 2020). “Pu Yi “s autobiography reveals Wenxiu “s divorce reason: Shidi was not lucky for nine years”. Retrieved on 22 September 2022 from https://lujuba.cc/en/amp/288812.html.
The World of Chinese. (March 30,2022) “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”. Retrieved on 22 September 2022 from https://www.theworldofchinese.com/202....
Wang, Q. (2014). The Last Emperor and His Five Wives. (Translated by Jiaquan Han et al.). Beijing, China: China Intercontinental Press.
[1] Wang, 2014
[2] Wang, 2014
[3] Wang, 2014
[4] Wang, 2014
[5] iNews, n.d., “After the last imperial concubine and Puyi divorced, they married the coachman. After their death, the husband recalled: got the imperial concubine’s true love”
[6] iNews, n.d., “What was the reason for this last imperial concubine to choose to divorce?”
[7] Wang, 2014
[8] Wang, 2014
[9] Wang, 2014
[10] Wang, 2014
[11] Wang, 2014
[12] Wang, 2014
[13] Wang, 2014
[14] Wang, 2014
[15] Wang, 2014
[16] Wang, 2014
[17] Wang, 2014
[18] Wang, 2014
[19] Wang, 2014
[20] Wang, 2014
[21] Wang, 2014
[22] Wang, 2014
[23] Wang, 2014
[24] Wang, 2014
[25] Wang, 2014
[26] Wang, 2014
[27] Wang, 2014
[28] Wang, 2014
[29] Wang, 2014
[30] Luju Bar, 25 May 2020, “Pu Yi “s autobiography reveals Wenxiu “s divorce reason: Shidi was not lucky for nine years”
[31] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[32] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[33] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[34] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[35] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[36] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[37] Wang, 2014
[38] Wang, 2014
[39] Wang, 2014
[40] Wang, 2014
[41] Wang, 2014
[42] Wang, 2014
[43] Wang, 2014
[44] Wang, 2014
[45] The World of Chinese, 30 March 2022, “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”
[46] Wang, 2014
[47] Wang, 2014
[48] Wang, 2014
[49] Wang, 2014
[50] Wang, 2014
[51] Wang, 2014
[52] Wang, 2014
[53] Wang, 2014
[54] Wang, 2014
[55] The World of Chinese, 30 March 2022, “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”
[56] The World of Chinese, 30 March 2022, “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”
[57] Wang, 2014
[58] Wang, 2014
[59] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[60] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[61] Wang, 2014
[62] Wang, 2014
[63] Wang, 2014
[64] Wang, 2014
[65] Luju Bar, 25 May 2020, “Pu Yi “s autobiography reveals Wenxiu “s divorce reason: Shidi was not lucky for nine years”
[66] Wang, 2014
[67] Wang, 2014
[68] Wang, 2014
[69] Wang, 2014
[70] Wang, 2014
[71] Wang, 2014
The post Erdet Wenxiu – The Imperial Consort who divorced the Emperor (Part three) appeared first on History of Royal Women.
March 20, 2023
Erdet Wenxiu – The Imperial Consort who divorced the Emperor (Part two)
Erdet Wenxiu (formally known as Imperial Consort Shu) was the last Consort to live in the Forbidden City. She lived there for two years and never saw it again. However, there would be more sorrows that awaited her. In this article, I will chronicle the events that led to her decision to divorce Puyi, the Last Emperor of China. Her decision to divorce led to The Consort’s Revolution, which sparked a major feminist movement in China. Imperial Consort Shu became a symbol of women’s rights in China.
After the royal family was expelled from the Forbidden City, they settled into Prince Chun’s mansion, where they became prisoners. Emperor Puyi became close to Empress Wanrong and Imperial Consort Shu.[1] He even listened to Imperial Consort Shu’s advice.[2] Because Emperor Puyi became close to Imperial Consort Shu, he gave her permission to visit her mother. She had a very emotional reunion with her.[3] Afterwards, Emperor Puyi decided to visit Imperial Consort Shu’s family. The visit was a very grand affair, and he gifted Lady Jiang with royal gifts.[4]
Emperor Puyi decided to turn to the Japanese for refuge. He believed that by turning to the Japanese, they would restore his throne.[5] When he told of his intentions to Imperial Consort Shu, she immediately opposed it because she believed that he would be bullied and oppressed.[6] However, Puyi ignored her advice and left for the Japanese Legation.[7] Upon his arrival, Emperor Puyi sent for Empress Wanrong and Imperial Consort Shu to follow him. Imperial Consort Shu was so distraught that her husband had turned to the Japanese.[8] She feared there would not be a good outcome for him.[9] However, she had to obey her husband and follow him to the Japanese Legation.[10] Once they arrived, they were treated as prisoners. Imperial Consort Shu fell into a deep depression.[11]
Much to Imperial Consort Shu’s chagrin, Emperor Puyi began to rely heavily on the Japanese to restore his throne.[12] She strongly urged him not to rely on the Japanese, but Emperor Puyi often ignored her advice.[13] He continued his meetings with the Japanese. On New Year’s Day in 1925, Imperial Consort Shu publicly protested against Puyi being restored to his throne under Japanese hands.[14] Emperor Puyi was so outraged that Imperial Consort Shu dared to oppose him publicly that he took a feather duster and beat her in front of everyone.[15] This was a huge blow to Imperial Consort Shu because it was the first time Emperor Puyi had ever beaten her.[16] She did not get comfort from Empress Wanrong. Instead, Empress Wanrong was thrilled that Imperial Consort Shu was beaten.[17] She gleefully gloated by asking why the Consort had to make the Emperor angry on New Year’s Day.[18]
A few days later, Emperor Puyi moved to Tianjin. On 27 February 1925, Empress Wanrong and Imperial Consort Shu followed him to Tianjin. They moved into the villa of a former Qing Dynasty Governor. Empress Wanrong and Puyi lived on the second floor. Imperial Consort Shu lived on the first floor. Emperor Puyi did not forgive Imperial Consort Shu for publicly opposing him.[19] He took Empress Wanrong out to the city, leaving Imperial Consort Shu alone in the house. It was only on a few occasions when he was in a pleasant mood that he finally took Imperial Consort Shu for a drive.[20] However, Emperor Puyi was still angry at Imperial Consort Shu for being against his Japanese alliance, that she began to live in loneliness and isolation.[21] He not only ignored her but insulted her for not going along with his plans.[22] Thus, Imperial Consort Shu spent her time reading and writing poetry.
On 7 June 1931, Imperial Consort Shu finally reached a breaking point. While she was eating in the garden, she accidentally spat while Empress Wanrong was there taking her daily walk.[23] Empress Wanrong was so furious that Imperial Consort Shu had spit in her presence.[24] Imperial Consort Shu went on her knees and apologized to the Empress. However, Empress Wanrong was not sympathetic.[25] She immediately reported it to Emperor Puyi. He was outraged that his Consort had very rude manners.[26] Emperor Puyi locked Imperial Consort Shu in her room and sent his eunuchs to scold Imperial Consort Shu. Imperial Consort Shu said that it was an accident and that she had no intent to do it on purpose.[27] However, her words only further enraged Emperor Puyi.[28] He constantly sent eunuchs to scold her twice a day until she admitted she did it on purpose.[29] Imperial Consort Shu had no choice but to admit that she did it on purpose.[30] However, Emperor Puyi still did not forgive her and kept her imprisoned in her own room.[31] Imperial Consort Shu was so miserable that she spent her days in tears.[32]
Imperial Consort Shu fell into a further state of depression. She stopped eating and did not have the will to live.[33] On 7 July 1931, Imperial Consort Shu took out a pair of scissors and tried to stab herself. However, her palace eunuch stopped her.[34] Her palace eunuch reported the incident to the Emperor. Emperor Puyi was furious with Imperial Consort Shu’s attempt at suicide.[35] He thought it was a trick and told her eunuch to let her continue her theatrics.[36] A few days later, Imperial Consort Shu took scissors and actually stabbed herself. However, the wound was small because the eunuch took the scissors out of her hands before she could seriously injure herself.[37] When Emperor Puyi heard that Imperial Consort Shu had injured herself, he finally realized that her intention to commit suicide was serious.[38] He was afraid that she would soon die.[39] He then sent for Wenshan (Imperial Consort Shu’s sister) to cheer her up. He hoped that Wenshan would dissuade Imperial Consort Shu from committing suicide.[40]
When Wenshan saw the miserable state that her elder sister was living in, she was horrified and concerned for her.[41] Wenshan advised her sister to get out of her marriage to Emperor Puyi.[42] She told her that her marriage to the Emperor was not worth her life and personal happiness.[43] She also told her that either death or divorce were the only options that lay before her.[44] If Imperial Consort Shu wanted to get out of her miserable situation, then she must get a divorce.[45] Imperial Consort Shu thought her sister gave her good advice.[46] She decided to leave the Emperor behind and pursue her own freedom.[47] Imperial Consort Shu secretly began to make arrangements with Wenshan to flee the Emperor.
Imperial Consort Shu only momentarily had Emperor Puyi’s favour. Because she strongly urged her husband not to ally himself with the Japanese (which, in hindsight, was sage advice), Emperor Puyi was angry at her and ignored her. Imperial Consort Shu was often neglected and abused by her husband. With the help of her sister, Imperial Consort Shu found the courage to leave the Emperor. However, in her time, it was still rare for a woman to divorce her husband, and Imperial Consort Shu planned to divorce the Emperor.[48] It would not be an easy feat because Emperor Puyi would try everything he could to prevent the divorce. Yet, Imperial Consort Shu’s bravery would inspire many women who also suffered from their husbands to get a divorce.[49] Thus, Imperial Consort Shu was a champion of women’s rights in the Republic of China.[50]
Part three coming soon.
Sources:
iNews. (n.d.). “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky” Retrieved on 21 September 2022 from https://inf.news/en/history/e45d88f73....
The World of Chinese. (March 30,2022) “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”. Retrieved on 21 September 2022 from https://www.theworldofchinese.com/202....
Wang, Q. (2014). The Last Emperor and His Five Wives. (Translated by Jiaquan Han et al.). Beijing, China: China Intercontinental Press.
[1] Wang, 2014
[2] Wang, 2014
[3] Wang, 2014
[4] Wang, 2014
[5] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[6] Wang, 2014
[7] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[8] Wang, 2014
[9] Wang, 2014
[10] Wang, 2014
[11] Wang, 2014
[12] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[13] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[14] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[15] Wang, 2014
[16] Wang, 2014
[17] Wang, 2014
[18] Wang, 2014
[19] Wang, 2014
[20] Wang, 2014
[21] Wang, 2014
[22] Wang, 2014
[23] Wang, 2014
[24] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[25] Wang, 2014
[26] Wang, 2014
[27] Wang, 2014
[28] Wang, 2014
[29] Wang, 2014
[30] Wang, 2014
[31] Wang, 2014
[32] Wang, 2014
[33] Wang, 2014
[34] Wang, 2014
[35] Wang, 2014
[36] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[37] Wang, 2014
[38] Wang, 2014
[39] Wang, 2014
[40] Wang, 2014
[41] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[42] Wang, 2014
[43] Wang, 2014
[44] Wang, 2014
[45] Wang, 2014
[46] Wang, 2014
[47] Wang, 2014
[48] Wang, 2014
[49] The World of Chinese, 30 March 2022, “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”
[50] The World of Chinese, 30 March 2022, “Romance and Rebellion in Republican China”
The post Erdet Wenxiu – The Imperial Consort who divorced the Emperor (Part two) appeared first on History of Royal Women.
March 19, 2023
Erdet Wenxiu – The Imperial Consort who divorced the Emperor (Part one)
Erdet Wenxiu (formally known as Imperial Consort Shu) was the second wife of Puyi, the last Emperor of China. She was the last Imperial Consort of China to live in the Forbidden City. However, she shocked the world when she dared to divorce Emperor Puyi. Never was there a consort who had divorced an Emperor. This event became known as The Consort’s Revolution. Erdet Wenxiu became a feminist icon and was a symbol of women’s rights in a patriarchal society.[1] Because she was an influential figure that sparked a feminist movement, I have written four articles that led to the significant historical event and her aftermath. Erdet Wenxiu’s decision to divorce was not easy. In this article, I will detail the Imperial Consort’s life in the Forbidden City to the day of her expulsion.
On 20 December 1909, Erdet Wenxiu was born in Beijing. She was from a prominent Manchu family. Her father was Duanhong, and her mother was Lady Jiang. She had a younger sister named Wenshan and an older half-sister. Her father died in her infancy, and she was raised by her mother. Her widowed mother struggled to make a living.[2] Wenxiu had to sell her embroidery pieces to help her family.[3] When she was eight years old, Wenxiu became a student in a primary school. She was a hardworking student and excelled in all her subjects.[4]
In 1921, Wenxiu became a candidate for the position of Empress Consort to Emperor Puyi. When Emperor Puyi saw Wenxiu’s photograph, he immediately liked it and wanted to make Wenxiu his Empress.[5] However, he was met with opposition from the Dowager Consorts. They wanted Wanrong to be the Empress because she was more beautiful and was from a wealthier family.[6] In the end, Emperor Puyi had no choice but to make Wanrong his Empress.[7] However, the Dowager Consorts let Wenxiu become his Imperial Consort.[8]
After Wenxiu was chosen as the Imperial Consort, her family never again lived in poverty. Emperor Puyi gifted them a mansion. Wenxiu dropped out of school and stopped selling her embroidery pieces.[9] Instead, she spent most of her days learning the rules and etiquette of the Forbidden City.[10] Because Wenxiu was a Consort, she had to arrive at the Forbidden City before Empress Wanrong.[11] On 29 November 1922, a grand procession was held for Wenxiu.[12] Many important officials personally escorted her to the Forbidden City.[13] Wenxiu was carried in a golden palanquin. She wore a beaded hairpin in her hair, and her clothes were made of satin and silk.[14] Once she arrived at the palace, she had an audience with Emperor Puyi and gave him three kowtows.
On 30 November 1922, Wenxiu and Wanrong were married to Emperor Puyi. During her wedding, she wore two ceremonial robes (which can still be seen today in the Beijing Palace Museum).[15] The first robe was an apricot silk robe that was embroidered with golden dragons and cloud bats.[16] The second robe was made of azurite silk, embroidered with a double golden dragon and cloud bats.[17] She wore these ceremonial robes three times, which were her wedding, Emperor Puyi’s birthday, and Chinese New Year’s Day.[18] After her wedding, Wenxiu had to kowtow to the Empress. However, Emperor Puyi said that she did not need to make the formal greeting.[19] This made Wanrong greatly dislike Wenxiu.[20] The Empress believed that the Imperial Consort should always pay respects to her.[21] It also showed that Wenxiu’s status would always be inferior to Empress Wanrong.[22] Therefore, they would never get along.[23] The Empress and the Imperial Consort would spend their wedding night alone.[24] During the first days of her marriage, she would spend her days alone in Changchun Palace. This was because she was the Consort and not the Empress.[25]
On 4 January 1923, Wenxiu was officially bestowed the title of Imperial Consort Shu. Imperial Consort Shu quickly earned the reputation as a virtuous Consort.[26] She spent her time teaching the palace maids to read.[27] She had a fondness for Chinese operas and liked to listen to their records on a gramophone.[28] She liked to act and sing. She loved flowers and created a beautiful garden in her Changchun Palace. Emperor Puyi became fond of her because Imperial Consort Shu had a passion for books.[29] The couple would spend their time discussing literature. Emperor Puyi also liked her because of her soft character.[30] Emperor Puyi made her take lessons in English.[31] Whenever he left the palace, he frequently took Empress Wanrong and Imperial Consort Shu with him.[32]
Empress Wanrong and Imperial Consort Shu were often at odds with each other. Empress Wanrong saw Imperial Consort Shu as a threat to her position.[33] Empress Wanrong did not like that Imperial Consort Shu’s birthday was celebrated in the palace and rewarded the noble lords with gifts.[34] These privileges were solely reserved for the Empress.[35] The two began to have intense fights. These fights often caused great distress to Emperor Puyi because he could not tell which wife was in the wrong.[36] Because Empress Wanrong had a higher status, Emperor Puyi began to side with her.[37] He began to spend more time with his Empress and rarely visited his Consort.[38] As Imperial Consort Shu began to fall from favour with the Emperor, the Empress began to bully her.[39] Empress Wanrong sent Imperial Consort Shu taunting letters that asked how it felt to be lovesick and often made fun of her losing favour.[40] Because Emperor Puyi ignored her, Imperial Consort Shu was bullied by her own palace servants.[41] Imperial Consort Shu had to tolerate her humiliation. She often became lonely and miserable. She viewed her life in the palace as a living death.[42]
On 5 November 1924, Emperor Puyi, Empress Wanrong, and Imperial Consort Shu were forced to leave the Forbidden City. Therefore, Imperial Consort Shu lived in the imperial palace for two years. However, Imperial Consort Shu did not want to leave the Forbidden City to become a prisoner.[43] She packed her poems, Emperor Puyi’s letters, and jewellery. Then, she went to the main palace. In front of the altar, she bowed three times, took scissors, and was about to cut her own throat when her palace eunuch stopped her.[44] When Emperor Puyi learned of his Consort’s actions, he was deeply moved by her loyalty to the Qing Dynasty.[45] Imperial Consort Shu regained the Emperor’s favour again.[46] As she was leaving the Forbidden City, Imperial Consort Shu looked at the flowers around the palace and shed an abundance of tears.[47]
Erdet Wenxiu was chosen by Emperor Puyi to become his Imperial Consort. However, her life in the Forbidden City was very unhappy. She was often bullied by Empress Wanrong and her own servants. She was mostly neglected by Emperor Puyi. Despite her sufferings, she was still loyal to the Qing Dynasty, which deeply moved Emperor Puyi. Erdet Wenxiu cried as she was leaving the Forbidden City, knowing that she would never see it again. Unfortunately, there would be more miseries that were still awaiting her. These troubles would lead her to divorce the Emperor.
Part two coming soon.
Sources:
iNews. (n.d.). “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky” Retrieved on 21 September 2022 from https://inf.news/en/history/e45d88f73....
Ma, Y. (2010). Women Journalists and Feminism in China, 1898-1937. Amherst, NY: Cambria Press.
Titus, F. (2012). Old Beijing: Postcards from the Imperial City. North Clarendon, VT: Tuttle Publishing.
Wang, Q. (2014). The Last Emperor and His Five Wives. (Translated by Jiaquan Han et al.). Beijing, China: China Intercontinental Press.
[1] Ma, 2010
[2] Wang, 2014
[3] Wang, 2014
[4] Wang, 2014
[5] Wang, 2014
[6] Wang, 2014
[7] Titus, 2012
[8] Titus, 2012
[9] Wang, 2014
[10] Wang, 2014
[11] Wang, 2014
[12] Wang, 2014
[13] Wang, 2014
[14] Wang, 2014
[15] Wang, 2014
[16] Wang, 2014
[17] Wang, 2014
[18] Wang, 2014
[19] Wang, 2014
[20] Wang, 2014
[21] Wang, 2014
[22] Wang, 2014
[23] Wang, 2014
[24] Wang, 2014
[25] Wang, 2014
[26] Wang, 2014
[27] Wang, 2014
[28] Wang, 2014
[29] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[30] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[31] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[32] Wang, 2014
[33] iNews, n.d., “Wenxiu: 13-year-old married Puyi 16-year-old, 22-year-old ran away filed for divorce: living together for nine years, not lucky”
[34] Wang, 2014
[35] Wang, 2014
[36] Wang, 2014
[37] Wang, 2014
[38] Wang, 2014
[39] Wang, 2014
[40] Wang, 2014
[41] Wang, 2014
[42] Wang, 2014
[43] Wang, 2014
[44] Wang, 2014
[45] Wang, 2014
[46] Wang, 2014
[47] Wang, 2014
The post Erdet Wenxiu – The Imperial Consort who divorced the Emperor (Part one) appeared first on History of Royal Women.
March 17, 2023
Book News April 2023
The Windsors at War: The Nazi Threat to the Crown
Hardcover – 9 March 2023 (UK) & 18 April 2023 (US)
The Windsors at War tells the story of the turbulent and seismic decade in between 1937 and 1947, including the bombing of Buckingham Palace in May 1940, the Duke of Windsor’s ill-advised visit to Germany in October 1937 and the death of the Duke of Kent in a plane crash in August 1942. It answers a simple question: how did this squabbling, dysfunctional family manage to put their differences aside and unite to help win the greatest conflict of their lifetimes?
The Granddaughters of Edward III
Hardcover – 28 April 2023 (US) & 28 February 2023 (UK)
Edward III may be known for his restoration of English kingly authority after the disastrous and mysterious fall of his father, Edward II, and eventual demise of his mother, Queen Isabella. It was Edward III who arguably put England on the map as a military might. This show of power and strength was not simply through developments in government, success in warfare or the establishment of the Order of the Garter, which fused ideals of chivalry and national identity to form camaraderie between king and peerage. The expansion of England as a formidable European powerhouse was also achieved through the traditional lines of political marriages, particularly those of the king of England’s own granddaughters.
Queen Victoria’s Daughters-in-Law
Hardcover – 28 February 2023 (UK) & 28 April 2023 (US)
Of Queen Victoria’s four sons, the eldest married a Danish princess, one a Russian Grand Duchess, and the other two princesses of German royal houses.
Kings and Queens of England and Scotland
Paperback – 25 April 2023 (US) & 9 March 2023 (UK)
From the Saxons to the Windsors, Britain’s royal lineage is brought to life in the pages of this visual guide. Confused about which Henry had six wives and which was crowned at the age of eight? Kings and Queens of England and Scotland documents the public and private lives of the royal dynasties.
Elizabeth: An intimate portrait
Hardcover – 15 April 2023 (US) & 8 December 2022 (UK)
This intimate, personal biography of Queen Elizabeth II tells the story of her remarkable life, reign and times, from a perspective unlike any other.
Rani Durgawati: The Forgotten Life of a Warrior Queen
Hardcover – 15 April 2023 (US) & 21 November 2022 (UK)
The feisty and formidable Rani Durgawati lives on in the folk tales and songs of her people. These songs and tales have now been used by Nandini Sengupta to create a meticulously researched and accessibly written biography of a forgotten female hero and one of India’s most underrated monarchs.
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World
Paperback – 11 April 2023 (US) & 2 March 2023 (UK)
In The Dark Queens, award-winning writer Shelley Puhak sets the record straight. She resurrects two very real women in all their complexity, painting a richly detailed portrait of an unfamiliar time and striking at the roots of some of our culture’s stubbornest myths about female power. The Dark Queens offers proof that the relationships between women can transform the world.
The Throne: 1,000 Years of British Coronations
Hardcover – 6 April 2023 (US & UK)
In The Throne, Ian Lloyd will turn his inimitable, quick-witted style to these key events in British royal history, providing fascinating anecdotes and interesting facts: from William the Conqueror’s Christmas Day crowning when jubilant shouts were mistaken by his guards as an assassination attempt to the dual coronation of William and Mary in 1689, and from the pared-back ‘Half Crown-ation’ of William IV to the televised spectacle of Elizabeth II’s 1953 ceremony.
George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy
Hardcover – 4 April 2023 (US) & 13 April 2023 (UK)
A revelatory account of how the loving marriage of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth saved the monarchy during World War II, and how they raised their daughter to become Queen Elizabeth II, based on exclusive access to the Royal Archives—from the bestselling author of Elizabeth the Queen and Prince Charles
Elizabeth & Philip: A Story of Young Love, Marriage, and Monarchy
Hardcover – 4 April 2023 (US & UK)
This deeply touching history explores the ups and downs, as well as the attractions and the tensions, that defined an extraordinary relationship. The high stakes involved might have devoured a less committed pair—but not Elizabeth and Philip. They shared a common purpose, one higher even than marriage, with roots much deeper than young love. Happy and glorious, for better or for worse, they were heavily invested in a God-given mission. Monarchy was the magic word.
The Queen and the Mistress: The Women of Edward III
Hardcover – 4 April 2023 (US & UK)
There were two women in Edward III’s life: Philippa of Hainault, his wife of forty years and bearer of twelve children, and his mistress, Alice Perrers, the twenty-year-old who took the king’s fancy as his ageing wife grew sick. After Philippa’s death Alice began to dominate court, amassing a fortune and persuading the elderly Edward to promote her friends and punish her enemies.
The Kings and Queens of Britain
Paperback – 4 April 2023 (US & UK)
In this fascinating, up-to-date guide, Cath Senker delves into the extraordinary history of the British monarchy, from Alfred the Great in the 9th century to King Charles III. Key moments are explored, including the signing of the Magna Carta, the Battle of Hastings and the abdication of King Edward VIII, and the part they played in the rich tapestry of British history.
Blood, Fire and Gold: The story of Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici
Paperback – 27 April 2023 (UK)
This is a story of two remarkable visionaries: a story of blood, fire and gold. It is also a tale of ceaseless calculation, of love and rivalry, of war and wisdom – and of female power in a male world. Shining new light on their legendary kingdoms Blood, Fire and Gold provides a new way of looking at two of history’s most powerful women, and how they shaped each other as profoundly as they shaped the course of history. Drawing on their letters and brand new research, Estelle Paranque writes an entirely new chapter in the well-worn story of the sixteenth century.
Margaret of Anjou: She-Wolf of France, Twice Queen of England
Hardcover – 15 April 2023 (UK) & 18 July 2023 (US)
By examining Margaret’s life and actions in detail, this biography reveals a new side to the last foreign-born queen of medieval England. Margaret came from a family of strong women. Faced with hardship in the first years of her marriage, Margaret’s choices arose from a conviction that it was natural for a woman to take control in the absence of male leadership. A wealth of records have been left behind, allowing historians to investigate Margaret’s career as a beloved wife and, later, as the leader of a political faction struggling to secure the crown for her family. If the course of history had run differently, would she instead be considered a heroic warrior queen today – perhaps even England’s Joan of Arc?
The post Book News April 2023 appeared first on History of Royal Women.
Jewel House in the Tower of London transforms with new Crown Jewels display
The Jewel House in the Tower of London is set to transform with a new display about the history and significance of the Crown Jewels.
The new display will be the first major change in ten years and will explore the origins of some of the items for the very first time. This will include the destruction of the original crown jewels under Oliver Cromwell.
The presentation will begin with a celebration of the timelessness of the monarchy, and visitors will see the State Crown frames worn by Kings George I and George IV and Queen Victoria and learn about how some jewels passed from crown to crown.
It will then explore the current Crown Jewels and the regalia we see today were created for the coronation of King Charles II. Unfortunately, only the coronation spoon has survived from earlier days. The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is set within the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, will also be featured as a “symbol of conquest.”
The new display will open shortly after the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Andrew Jackson, Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House, said, “We are delighted to unveil our brand-new Jewel House display from 26 May, offering visitors a richer understanding of this magnificent collection. As the home of the Crown Jewels, we are delighted that the Tower of London will continue to play its part during this historic Coronation year. We look forward to expanding the stories we are telling about the Crown Jewels and to showcasing this remarkable collection for millions of visitors from around the world to enjoy.”
Charles Farris, Public Historian for the History of the Monarchy at Historic Royal Palaces, said, “The Crown Jewels are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy and hold deep religious, historic, and cultural significance. From their fascinating origins to their use during the Coronation ceremony, the new Jewel House transformation will present the rich history of this magnificent collection with more depth and detail than ever before. With 2023 bringing the first Coronation in 70 years, there has never been a better time for people to come and learn about the jewels and to appreciate these awe-inspiring objects in person.”
The new Jewel House exhibition opens to visitors on 26 May 2023 and is included in general admission.
The post Jewel House in the Tower of London transforms with new Crown Jewels display appeared first on History of Royal Women.
March 16, 2023
Royal Jewels – The Diamond Diadem
The Diamond Diadem, also known as the King George IV State Diadem, is one of the British monarchy’s most recognisable pieces of jewellery.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was ordered from the jeweller Rundell in 1820, and it was completed in May 1820. The design, probably made by their chief designer Philip Liebart, incorporates the national emblems of England, Scotland and Ireland. The bill came to £290 for the setting and £800 for the hire of the diamonds. It does not appear that the diamonds were ever returned to the jewellers, and a larger bill for £8,216 later appeared in the Privy Purse accounts.1
Embed from Getty ImagesKing George IV wore the diadem during the procession to his coronation, but it has been worn by every Queen consort and regnant since Queen Adelaide. It was altered for Queen Victoria in 1838, for Queen Alexandra in 1902 and for Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) in 1937. Queen Elizabeth II wore the Diamond Diadem for the first time during her first State Opening of Parliament in 1952. She also wore it on her way to her coronation in 1953 and for subsequent State Openings of Parliament.2
(public domain)She was also portrayed wearing it on coins, stamps and several artworks.
The post Royal Jewels – The Diamond Diadem appeared first on History of Royal Women.
March 14, 2023
The Year of Marie Antoinette – Daily life at Versailles
Daily life at Versailles went by a strict set of rules of etiquette and routine.
Marie Antoinette wrote her own account of the “maddening” and “ridiculous” routine to her mother in Austria in 1770. She woke up between nine and ten and dressed informally. She would then say her morning prayers, eat breakfast, and visit her husband’s aunts.
She wrote, “At 11 o’clock, I have my hair done. At noon, all the world can enter – I put on my rouge and wash my hands in front of the whole world. then the gentlemen leave, and the ladies remain, and I am dressed in front of them.”1
A scene from the 2006 Marie Antoinette film, which gives a good indication of how it went.
After this, she went to Mass and was joined by her husband and the King if he was at Versailles. After Mass, she and her husband dined together in front of the whole world.”2
“Then I am with the Dauphin for a time, and when he has business to do, I retire to my own room, where I read, write or work. Needlework, for I am embroidering the King a coat, which gets forward very slowly, though I hope that, with God’s grace, it will be finished in a few years from now. At three o’clock, I go again to my aunts, with whom the King is at this hour. At four, the Abbé comes to me, and at five, my clavecin teacher or singing-master, till six. At half past six, I almost always go to my aunts unless I go out. I should tell you that my husband almost always goes with me to my aunts. From seven till nine, we play cards; but when it is fine, I go out, and then the cards are not in my room but at my aunts’. At nine o’clock we have supper. We wait there for the King, who usually comes about a quarter to eleven. While waiting, I lie down on a big sofa and go to sleep until the King comes. When he is away, we go to bed at eleven. That is how I spend my day.’3
After she became Queen in 1774, her routine changed a little bit. “The Queen usually awoke at about eight o’clock. A woman of the wardrobe then entered, carrying a basket which contained two or three chemises, some handkerchiefs, some towels; this was what was called the ‘offering’ of the morning. The first waiting-woman presented a book, in which were pasted samples of gowns, full dress, undress, etc; there were ordinarily, for each season, twelve full toilets, twelve demi-toilets, twelve rich dresses with panniers. The Queen marked with a pin the garments which she chose for the day – a full dress, an undress for the afternoon, an evening dress for the play and for the supper. The book of patterns was immediately carried away, and the garments chosen were brought in, in a large taffeta.”4
Marie Antoinette bathed nearly every day, and a large tub was rolled into her room, followed by the bathers. “The Queen wrapped herself in a long robe of English flannel, buttoned to the bottom, and when she came out of the bath, a sheet was held very high to screen her entirely from the sights of her women.”5 Then came breakfast at nine o’clock, which she sometimes had in the bath or in bed.
At noon, the grand toilet happened. Folding chairs were put out for the ones allowed entry as her hair was being dressed. This was also when the dressing of her body took place. Marie Antoinette would later abolish this practice and would go into her boudoir to dress herself with her own women. After the toilet was complete, she would attend Mass and then came dinner. On Sunday, the dinner was in public, in the cabinet of the nobles. She usually ate very little and hardly ever had wine. She then returned to her rooms to prepare for the evening.
Visits to her husband’s aunts continued after she became Queen, and she also had music or singing lessons in the afternoon. In the evening, playing cards remained a favourite pastime, but there could also be a masked ball or a play. Supper followed at 9 o’clock, and at 11 o’clock, a ceremonial evening dressed the Queen for bed.
Marie Antoinette longed for a simpler and more private life. She began to enjoy private theatre performances; she wore plainer clothes in private and abandoned the use of heavy make-up. Nevertheless, she would never quite be able to escape from her public life at Versailles – she was, after all, the Queen of France.
The post The Year of Marie Antoinette – Daily life at Versailles appeared first on History of Royal Women.
