Royal Mistresses online talk

Join Lucy Worsley for a romp through centuries of sex and scandal, exploring some of our best-known royal romances.  Lucy will be accompanied by her fellow Historic Royal Palaces Curators, Tracy Borman and Brett Dolman, for a job interview with a difference…the role of mistress of the King.

In this one-hour talk, Lucy and her fellow curators will examine some of the salacious gossip that surrounded court throughout the centuries - from forbidden lovers, to notorious mistresses and illegitimate heirs. The candidates up for the role include:

• Anne Boleyn
• Rosamund Clifford or ‘Fair Rosamund’
• Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk
• George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham
• Nell Gwynn
• Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine

But who will be crowned the winner? It’s up to you to decide.

• Warning to parents: Suitable for ages 12 upwards! 
• Warning to Anne Boleyn fans: We know you love her but do consider voting for someone else - she can’t win everything!
• Warning to everyone: Contains regrettable attitudes from the past! But don’t worry, we’ll be picking them apart. 

Register now

This event is free to join, but we ask you to consider making a donation of £10 or whatever you can afford. 

Historic Royal Palaces is a self-funding charity. The impact of  the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our finances. 

We look forward to you joining our online event.