British Consorts: From the Complicated to the Controversial with Carol Ann Lloyd

📚 The relationship between a royal consort and a reigning monarch can be complicated. While consorts of British monarchs have no constitutional status or power, many have had significant political influence and supported the sovereign in his or her duties. ⁠
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Historian Carol Ann Lloyd will provide an in-depth exploration of some of Britain’s most legendary royal couples, focusing on the dramatic challenges they faced in balancing their marriages with their singular roles as rulers. In the 12th century, the relationship between Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen Consort, and King Henry II was notably turbulent. Their relationship was marked by Eleanor’s attempts to undermine Henry’s reign, and his subsequent retaliation imprisoning his wife. During the mid-15th century, Marguerite of Anjou’s efforts to secure the reign of Henry VI led her to become one of the most despised royal consorts in history. Behind the scenes, some consorts were either forced to act as the de facto British ruler, such as Queen Charlotte during George III’s unsteady reign, while others were literally locked out by their King husbands, such as Queen Caroline and George IV. In her lecture, Ms. Lloyd will also highlight the male consorts who had to navigate the dual role of husband while they were subject to their reigning queen wives. ⁠
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Finally, Ms. Lloyd will discuss the influence of more modern consorts (or would have been consorts), including the significant impact of Wallis Simpson on King Edward VIII’s reign, as well as the complex situation that Prince Philip created for Queen Elizabeth II.⁠
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👥 IN-PERSON⁠
October 23 @ 6:15 pm - 8:00 pm⁠
The General Society Library⁠
20 W. 44th Street, NYC ⁠
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📀 RENT⁠
October 24 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm⁠
Rent the recorded lecture to watch at your leisure ⁠