The history books are filled with stories and legends of royal men – the prominent kings and princes that have dominated the world stage throughout the ages. Yet there are many lesser-known stories of royal women who also played key roles in the evolution of monarchies around the globe.
While these regal ladies may not be quite as well known as their famous male counterparts, their lives were equally captivating and engaging, and in some cases, even more influential than the powerful kings and princes of their time.
Famous Royal Women
Catherine of Aragon – Spanish Princess & Queen of England
From Spanish Princess to Queen of England, Catherine of Aragon is one of history’s most famous royal women. As the first of King Henry VIII’s many wives, she was always destined to become a part of royal history. Yet, her story reveals that her character, tenacity, devotion, and faith were the driving forces of her legacy and endurance. As the daughter of the iconic Spanish queen, Isabella I of Castile, and one of the few royal women to survive the role of Henry VIII’s wife, Catherine of Aragon remains an important figure in the royal history of Europe.
Marie Antoinette – Austrian Archduchess & Queen of France
Born into the mighty Habsburg dynasty – the Archdukes and Archduchesses of the Austrian Empire – Marie Antoinette was also destined for a life of royal infamy. The wealth and power of the Austrian Grandduchy were renowned throughout Europe, yet it was the young archduchess’s marriage that would seal her fate and establish her as one of history’s most infamous queens. Betrothed to the Dauphine of France, she ascended to the French throne alongside her husband, Louis XVI. Their roles as monarchs would play a pivotal role in the French Revolution, the downfall of the monarchy, and the end of the line for the Bourbon kings. As one of Madame Guillotine’s most famous victims, Marie Antoinette secured her place in royal history for generations.
Royal Women of History
Josephine Bonaparte – From Colonial Gentry to French Empress
Born into relatively humble origins in the Colonial Caribbean, Josephine Bonaparte charted one of the most spectacular rises to fame and fortune as the infamous wife of Napoleon Bonaparte – Emperor of France. She was the chosen favorite and enduring love of the legendary Corsican soldier who rose to power in the late 18th/early 19th century. Although theirs was a tumultuous match, one of the most iconic images of the period is the painting of the new Emperor placing an imperial crown on the head of his beautiful Empress wife. This image, from one of history’s most spectacular and controversial coronations, is a testament to the life and legacy of the famous royal woman who became known the world over, simply as Josephine.
Désirée Clary – French Merchant Family to Queen of Sweden & Norway
Before Napoleon met Josephine, he was engaged to be married to an unassuming young French girl, Désirée Clary, the daughter of an affluent silk merchant. The call of power and glory was too great, however, and the young Désirée was abandoned in favor of military campaigns and glamorous Parisian socialites. This was undoubtedly a crushing blow, yet it was not to be the end of her story. Though fate would ensure that her life would be forever linked with the famous Emperor of France (her sister married Napoleon’s brother), Désirée would also make a powerful love match. With her marriage to one of Bonaparte’s favorite military aides, she became Désirée Bernadotte, and their partnership would see them ascend to the throne of Sweden & Norway. Although her story may have been eclipsed by the stellar careers of her partners, it remains an inspiring tale of one of history’s famous royal women.
Royal Women of the 21st Century
Queen Elizabeth II – Record-breaking Queen of England
History is rich with stories of great queens of old, those whose lives and legacies have become firm favorites of royal legends. Yet, one of the most iconic and enduring queens was a more recent addition to the canon of famous royal women. The young Princess Elizabeth was never meant to become queen. Her uncle was destined for the throne and even ascended to the rank of King of England, yet it was to be short-lived. When King Edward VIII abdicated in the controversy surrounding his choice of wife, Princess Elizabeth’s father became the new king, George VI. This paved the way for one of England’s most successful reigns – that of Queen Elizabeth II. From her mid-twenties, when she inherited the crown, to the age of 96 when she died, this legendary queen became not only the longest-reigning English monarch, she was also one of the most admired and beloved of royal women, all around the world.
Catherine, Princess of Wales – From Commoner to Royal Icon
Catherine Middleton was not born into royal circles, nor was she expected to ascend the ranks of the British Royal Family. Yet the young woman who captured the heart of Prince William during their time together at St Andrew’s University in Scotland set her course for becoming a royal princess and one of the most famous royal women in the world. From ordinary Kate to the Duchess of Cambridge to the Princess of Wales, the rise of Catherine Middleton is fully expected to culminate in the role of Queen Consort, due to her marriage to the heir to the English throne. Although this spectacular rise is comparable to some of history’s most famous queens, the common-born Kate is adored around the world for bringing a down-to-earth glamor to the modern monarchy.
Royal Women Around the World
The stories of these royal women around the world each have very different plot twists and characters, yet they all share a similar theme. Family backgrounds and marriage partners may have provided the foundations for the rise of these iconic regal ladies, yet it has been their unique characteristics and personal qualities that have secured their places in the history books.