In 2020, James Shapiro wrote about Shakespeare and a “Divided America.” We're more divided than ever as we mark the 250th year since the Declaration of Independence. Shakespeare wrote about issues we are grappling with right now: cultural identity, racism, and power struggles. Good time to review.

The “Tide” letter, which Elizabeth I wrote as Princess to try to save her life before she was taken to the Tower of London is this month’s Trivia fun for patrons of #RoyalsRebelsRomantics. Not a patron yet? Join today! patreon.com/carolannlloyd

Great Leadership depends on communication, and truth. When do lies become weapons? #Shakespeare breaks it down for us in Othello. Join #RoyalsRebelsRomantics to see the fallout when people decide to believe the lie. tinyurl.com/RRRpod tinyurl.com/RRRonYouTube

What I’m re-reading this weekend. Heather Darsie @hrdarsiehistory.bsky.social will be featured on #RoyalsRebelsRomantics next week to discuss her book about Anne Boleyn. Hope you join me in reading the book and then join us to hear from Heather!

Fun, fun, fun for #RoyalsRebelsRomantics patrons. Who wrote Shakespeare? Carol Ann takes on the authorship issue. Mysteries, murder, and mayhem…and a few playwright scandals as well. Not a patron yet? Join today! www.patreon.com/carolannlloyd

OTD in 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act. In short order, this led to the Boston Tea party and the decline in Britain's relationship with the colonies. This year we mark 250th anniv of Declaration of Independence.

I think right after TAX day in the US, we could all use a Shakespearean laugh. Here it is, from @reduced.bsky.social : The complete Guide for the Attention Impaired. It’s. hilarious, and you’ll love it. Even if you hate #Shakespeare, you’ll love this book. Enjoy!

Patron subscribers to the podcast are getting a little inside peek at my research for the new book I'm working on today! Here's a little preview of what they will see. If you want to see more like this, I have LOTS of fun patron goodies planned! www.patreon.com/carolannlloyd

Thank you @montgomerymunicipalcable and my friend Carolyn Bruna for a great conversation on It's A Woman's World! These women from the past can inspire us in the future. Who would you add to this list? Watch it here! carolannlloyd.com/media/

Which of Shakespeare’s leading ladies has the most lines? Rosalind from As You Like It with 685 lines. In fact, Rosalind has more lines than anyone in the play! She defies gender roles and expectations and manages her own life and the lives of others, arranging many marriages.

Welcome home to the Artemis crew! Why “Artemis”? The new lunar program was named for the twin sister of Apollo (name of the initial lunar program), who was the goddess of the moon. Mission Specialist Christina Koch is the first woman to serve on a lunar mission.

Hamnet is HOT! I’ve now read the book, listened to the book, seen the movie, and seen the stage production (at Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC). No surprise I’m digging back into Hamnet and will be sharing thoughts soon on the podcast. What are you reading this weekend?

OTD in 1483, Edward V succeeded his father Edward IV as King of England. Although he was proclaimed King of England, young Edward V was never crowned. Edward V is better known as one of the “Princes in the Tower.”

Mary Craig joins us this week to discuss her book, Scottish Witches, and shares the way the belief system, the church, and even King James VI contributed to a frenzy across Scotland. bit.ly/RoyalsRebsRoms Or watch on YouTube! bit.ly/RRRvideos

Let’s learn about the Leading Ladies of Shakespeare! One of my favorites is Juliet! We might think she’s a young, helpless girl, but she is a powerhouse. She defies her father, her society, and the law by choosing her own husband

Here is one of my favorite Shakespeare books from some I really admire: DAME Judi Dench! With candid observations and hilarious stories, this book is a treasure for fans of Shakespeare, movies, plays—and of course Judi Dench!

OTD in 1502, Prince Arthur died. Eldest son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, he was born to be the second Tudor King. He married Katherine of Aragon on 14 November 1501. Sadly, Arthur died five months later. His younger brother Henry became heir to the throne.

No April Fools: This week, we start a new Royals, Rebels, and Romantics series: Leadership Lessons from History and Shakespeare. Join us for Henry V and the Power of Listening, ep 243. Listen or watch! bit.ly/RoyalsRebsRoms bit.ly/RRRvideos

For Tudor Tuesday, the final History Leading Lady! My history obsession started with this amazing woman: #AnneBoleyn. Defied expectations, stood up to Henry VIII, & changed the world. And she gave us Elizabeth I. Who are your favorite women in history?

Meet Elizabeth of York, eldest daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, sister of the “Princes in the Tower,” niece of Richard III, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII. Her nickname was “Queen of Hearts,” and she’s said to be the model for that card in modern card decks.

I LOVE this book by Leah Redmond Chang: Young Queens. It covers the entangled relationship of Catherine de Medici, Elisabeth de Valois, and Mary, Queen of Scots. These women changed their nations and the world. What are you reading this weekend?

OTD in 2015, King Richard III was reburied at Leicester Cathedral. Want to know more about this famous King? Join me with Smithsonian Associates on 14 May! smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/pr...

Jane Seymour became the most famous Seymour woman when she married Henry VIII, but she wasn’t the only one. His marriage to Catherine Filliol ended in scandal and Katherine Parr called his second wife Anne Stanhope “that hell.” Don't miss episode 242! carolannlloyd.com/podcast-2/

Another leading lady of history: St Brigid of Kildare! St Brigid is the mother saint of Ireland, one of three national saints. Founded Kildare Abbey and several convents. Patron saint of learning, poetry, healing, protection, livestock, and more.

30-second review of How to Be A Renaissance Woman! I love this book and its witty commentary of what “good looking” and “looking good” has meant throughout history. Have you read it? I’d love to hear what you think!!

In the mood for some fancy gowns or gory executions? How about the most-married and largest King of England who ever lived? Join us for episode 241, “Elizabeth Goff and Bloody, Brilliant Tudors.” bit.ly/RoyalsRebsRoms Or watch on YouTube! bit.ly/RRRvideos

Happy St Patrick’s Day! Did you know Ireland’s famous saint was actually born in Britain? He went to Ireland as a bishop and is credited with establishing monasteries, schools, and churches. He died on March 17th, which became his feast day.

Let’s meet a famous Medieval and Tudor woman: Margaret Pole She was the niece of Edward IV and Richard III and daughter of George Duke of Clarence She was a peeress in her own right—no husband required! She survived the Wars of the Roses only to be executed by Henry VIII

What I’m reading right now! We’ve all heard about William the Conqueror—but what about Queen Matilda? Tracy Borman might be known as a Tudor scholar, but she also wrote this great book about Matilda.

This week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics, Elizabeth Goff joins us to discuss her new book, Bloody Brilliant Tudors! Elizabeth explores the well-known and the less-well-known characters and moments of this infamous dynasty.

Who were the Grey sisters? Which King was an accountant? Were some members of the royal family witches? Why are the Tudors endlessly fascinating? Coming tomorrow: Elizabeth Goff and Bloody, Brilliant Tudors! Don't miss the next episode of Royals, Rebels and Romantics!

Today I wanted to share a great book about that: Femina by Janina Ramirez. Something Ramirez says keeps inspiring me to learn more: “While some women have not left their mark on the written record, their truth is still there waiting to be discovered. We just have to dig for it.”

What we call “The Hundred Years War” actually was much longer than one century. Historian and author @livingstonphd shares the larger impact of this period of history. Learn more on episode 240 of Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!

Meet the women of the Middle Ages! Empress Matilda, 1102-1167 Daughter of Henry I and Matilda of Scotland Married Holy Roman Emperor Emperor Henry V and became Holy Roman Empress 1110-1125 Famous for her piety, she had influence on Henry II’s reign until her death in 1167

What love story do you read every Feb? Mine is always, always, always Pride and Prejudice! BEST novel of all time. Change my mind!

Coming tomorrow on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics. Michael Livingston joins us to double the scope of the Hundred Years War. We know some of the key players—Edward III and Henry V. But Michael’s book shows us we don’t know the whole story!

Meet Mary Seacole. A Jamaican nurse and businesswoman, Mary served as a nurse during the Crimean War. She was the first woman of African descent in Britain to publish an autobiography. In 2004, she was voted the greatest Black Briton by Every Generation.

Here’s what I’m reading this weekend! What are you reading? Black Tudors by Miranda Kaufmann

Women have always had their own way of changing the world. Two of my favorite examples from the sixteenth century are Catherine de Medici and Bess of Hardwick. Don’t miss it! Episode 239, Catherine de Medici and Bess of Hardwick, Wives and Mothers of Power

Meet Dido Elizabeth Belle, born in 1766. Her parents were Naval Officer Sir John Lindsay and Maria Belle, an African woman. She was brought into the Mansfield house as a companion for their daughter Elizabeth. Dido may have influenced Lord Mansfield’s anti-slavery decisions.

While writing about Anne Boleyn and courtly love, I referred to Natalie's book and her discussion with Emma Leavitt about “jousting jealousy”. Did Henry VIII’s jousting accident have more to do with Anne Boleyn’s death than we realize? I’d love to hear what you think!

This week I look at how Catherine de Medici and Bess of Hardwick used the public aspects of marriage and motherhood to influence politics, religion, and the future. Join me for episode 239, “Catherine de Medici and Bess of Hardwick: Wives and Mothers of Power”

The wealthiest woman in Elizabethan England was, of course, Queen Elizabeth I. Who was the second wealthiest and second most powerful woman? Bess of Hardwick. In a time where men usually called the shots, Bess chose wealthy and powerful husbands and married her way to the top.

Have you seen The Serpent Queen (2022-2024)? In it, Catherine de Medici is portrayed as being manipulative, sneaky, ruthless, and obsessed with power. In reality, she was an ambitious woman who worked hard and made decisions that would protect her family and her sons’ dynasty.

On my nightstand: The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion by Beth Brower (such a treat!) The Many Faces of Anne Boleyn by Helene Harrison (re-reading in light of new research about Rose Portrait!) The Next Day by Melinda French Gates (so important!) What are you reading?

Have you listened to the story of Joanna Plantagenet, Queen of Sicily? Catherine Hanley shares her book, Lionessheart, on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics. Check out Heart of a Lioness with Catherine Hanley, episode 238.

Henry II: Yes, an important king, but what about the women around him?! As always, they get less credit than they deserve.

I believe true leadership is based on timeless principles: knowing what your team needs from you, choosing personal leadership, and speaking your truth—even when it’s hard. I’m thrilled to share these ideas with my latest TEDx talk! I would love to hear what you think. bit.ly/CAatTEDx

Friday Fun! Coming soon from @penandswordbooks.bsky.social !

Join Royals, Rebels, and Romantics to learn about Joanna Plantagenet. Author Catherine Hanley discusses her book, Lionessheart. Joanna was a Plantagenet princess who eventually gave up royal life and made the scandalous decision to become a nun (though married and pregnant).