The Colourful Queen Consorts of Britain with Vivienne Haxby
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Join a local expert to talk about the role of Queen Consort. The most important function of the role has been to produce a healthy heir, and preferably a spare too, but we will look beyond this, to explore the social and cultural influences of some of the most interesting royal wives.
Our conversation will take examples of Queen Caroline, Queen Charlotte, Queen Alexandra, and Queen Mary as we explore their role as helpmeet and supporter to their husbands. We will look at each woman’s family background, her influences during childhood, and her particular character strengths. We will explore the houses they called home, the causes they espoused, their approach to motherhood, the contribution they made to the Royal Collection, and their relationships with their husbands. Of the women Viv has chosen, one was an extraordinary beacon of the Enlightenment, one espoused worthy causes quietly while dealing with challenges within her marriage, one was, from the start an icon of fashion and something of a flibbertigibbet, and the finale defined the role of Queen Consort into the twentieth century and beyond.
Led by an expert in the history of Royal women, Vivienne Haxby, this interactive seminar will expose all facets of the role of Queen Consort. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of this intriguing topic within British history.
Viv has a degree in English Language and Medieval Literature from Durham University. She spends part of each year in France, but for the past 25 years London has been home. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for London's C18 and C19 history and her detailed knowledge of the city's royal connections. She has a particular interest in the great aristocratic landholdings of London, and has created walks around the 'villages' of London such as Chelsea, Bloomsbury and Spitalfields. Viv also works as a volunteer marshal, or 'Green Gown' at Westminster Abbey.
Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.