Kate Williams- Secrets of Royal Women

How did Æthelflæd come to be known as Lady of the Mercians? Did Mary, Queen of Scots really plot to have Elizabeth I killed? Why did future queens Mary II and Anne conspire against their father, James II? What secrets did Queen Victoria hide in her diaries? How did Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret spend their time during their infamous VE Day excursion in 1945? 

In this beautifully illustrated event, acclaimed historian, broadcaster and bestselling author Kate Williams takes audiences on a fascinating journey into the secrets of royal women – from affairs of the heart and royal scandals to plots, intrigue and secret liaisons. The event is chaired by HistFest founder, Rebecca Rideal. 

This is the first of a new series of events co-produced between Storyhouse and HistFest and is the first HistFest event in the North of England. 

About Kate Williams 

Kate Williams is a royal expert, TV historian and professor of public engagement with history at the University of Reading. She is the author of several acclaimed historical biographies, including England’s Mistress (‘wonderful‘, Washington Post), Becoming Queen (‘outstanding‘, Spectator), Young Elizabeth (‘fascinating‘, Telegraph), Josephine (‘a sparkling account,’ The Daily Mail), Rival Queens (‘Scintillating, provocative’, Telegraph). Her latest book, The Royal Palaces: Secrets and Scandal is out now.

About Rebecca Rideal 

Rebecca Rideal is a historian of early modern England and the director of the history festival, HISTFEST. She writes regularly for press, hosts the history podcast Killing Time and is the author of 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire (‘impressively vivid’, The Times). 

About HistFest  

HistFest is a dynamic history events company that produces innovative digital and live content to global audiences – from festivals, lectures, film screenings and courses, to short films, podcasts and live performances.