“It is a well-researched historical analysis … . Harris’s book proves particularly valuable to scholars interested in queenship. … For readers interested in queenship and the connection between the personal and the political in the lives of royal women, however, Harris’s book offers a window into the complicated and politically dangerous world of the queen consort during periods of extreme political upheaval. … this book proves valuable to anyone interested in royal studies, early modern studies, or women’s history.” (Susan Dunn-Hensley, Early Modern Women Journal, Vol. 16 (2), 2022)
“Harris’s Queenship and Revolution does offer is an excellent example of careful archival scholarship and thoughtful gender analysis. … Harris’s Queenship and Revolution is a valuable addition to the ongoing scholarly conversation about queenship … .” (Sharon Jansen, Canadian Journal of History, Vol. 52 (1), 2017)

Queenship and Revolution in Early Modern Europe

Henrietta Maria and Marie Antoinette

von Carolyn Harris

Queen Marie Antoinette, wife of King Louis XVI of France and Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I of England were two of the most notorious queens in European history. They both faced accusations that they had transgressed social, gender and regional norms, and attempted to defend themselves against negative reactions to their behavior. Each queen engaged with the debates of her time concerning the place of women within their families, religion, politics, the public sphere and court culture and attempted to counter criticism of her foreign origins and political influence. The impeachment of Henrietta Maria in 1643 and trial and execution of Marie Antoinette in 1793 were also trials of monarchical government that shaped the English Civil Wars and French Revolution.