Charles II’s Portuguese Queen The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza by Susan Abernethy

 This well-researched and interesting study of Henrietta integrates her story with an account of the history of Portugal’s relationship with England. Portugal is England’s oldest ally, yet many don’t realise that. This is the only biography of Henrietta which really achieves this.

This Queen is still under-rated and Susan Abernathy does much to restore her reputation. Badly treated by the King with his many mistresses, and disliked by the people at first for being a foreign Catholic, she still managed to forge a life of her own. She formed a ‘salon’ which was an important meeting place for members of the court. The French ambassador wrote to Louis XIV that no ‘self-respecting’ courtier ever missed an evening there! Attending these events gave courtiers access to the king. 

She also staged theatricals and she promoted Catholic Baroque culture. She secretly patronised a convent in Hammersmith but she also loved to dance and have a good time. The Queen also joined Charles in his scientific pusuits, for example she observed a comet with him for several nights. An excellent Queen with great strength of character, she eventually endeared herself to the people.

Any royal history lover will enjoy this book.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.