NAME Ray Charles (born Raymond Charles Robinson) He dropped the "Robinson" from his name as a young performer to avoid confusion with the boxer Sugar Ray Robinson.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Ray Charles was a pioneering American singer, songwriter, and musician known for blending different genres such as gospel, blues, jazz, country, and R&B. He is often called "The Genius" for his innovative contributions to music.
BIRTH Ray Charles was born in Albany, Georgia, on September 23, 1930.
FAMILY BACKGROUND He was born to Bailey Robinson and Aretha Williams, a poor family in the segregated South. His father was a laborer and his mother a sharecropper. Charles was raised primarily in Greenville, Florida.
CHILDHOOD Charles' childhood was marked by tragedy. He started to lose his sight at the age of five and became completely blind by the age of seven, likely due to untreated glaucoma. He grew up in poverty and became an orphan by the age of 15 when his mother died in 1946, five years after his father. Despite his disability, Charles developed a remarkable musical talent and began playing piano and other instruments.
EDUCATION Charles attended the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, Florida, where he learned to read and write music in Braille. It was also there that he learned to play piano and saxophone, laying the foundation for his future career in music.
CAREER RECORD Charles started his career in the late 1940s, signing with Jack Lauderdale's Downbeat label in 1949.
His first hit, "Confession Blues," was recorded during a musicians' strike, which earned him a $600 fine, wiping out his life savings.
Charles is known for combining different musical genres and recorded albums like Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, which became a massive commercial success.
Throughout his career, he was awarded 17 Grammy Awards.
APPEARANCE Ray Charles was often seen wearing dark sunglasses, a signature look that became iconic. He was also known for his broad smile, expressive face, and animated gestures when performing.
Photo of Ray Charles in one of his classic poses at the piano.
FASHION Charles had a classic, polished style, often seen wearing tailored suits and formal attire, emphasizing elegance during his performances.
CHARACTER Charles was known for his strong personality and his determination to succeed. Charles overcame numerous obstacles, including blindness and a difficult childhood, to become a legend in music. He was also known for his generosity and his commitment to social justice.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Despite hardships, Charles had a witty and playful sense of humor. His charisma shone through in both personal interactions and performances.
One notable example is when he humorously remarked about a glamorous Las Vegas hotel suite that had a bed two steps up: "You know, I think these people are trying to kill me." When informed that there was a mirror on the ceiling above the bed, he quipped, "Oh great!" This blend of wit and self-awareness highlights his ability to find humor in his circumstances, even when they were challenging.
Additionally, Charles had a favorite joke that showcased his unique perspective on life: "I am blind, but it could be worse. I could have been black."
RELATIONSHIPS Ray Charles had a complex personal life that included two marriages and several other relationships. His wifes were:
Eileen Williams (1951-1952): This was Charles' first marriage, but it only lasted about a year. They had no children together.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson who he married on April 5, 1955: This was Charles' longest marriage, lasting 22 years. They had three children together: Ray Jr. (born 1955), David (born 1958), and Robert (born 1960).
Throughout his life, Charles fathered a total of 12 children with 10 different women. His numerous relationships and affairs contributed to the breakdown of his marriage to Della Robinson. Despite his complex personal life, Charles attempted to provide for all his children, reportedly setting up a trust fund of $500,000 for each of them later in life.
MONEY AND FAME Ray Charles rose to international fame and earned significant wealth. At his peak, he had immense control over his music, owning his master recordings, which was rare for artists at the time.
FOOD AND DRINK Charles was known to enjoy traditional Southern cuisine. This typically includes dishes such as: Fried chicke, collard greens, cornbread and gumbo.
Charles had a well-documented relationship with alcohol and substances. He was known to drink a bottle of gin daily and also consumed large quantities of marijuana throughout his life. Charles often claimed that his substance use did not hinder his ability to perform, although it ultimately contributed to health issues later in life, including liver disease and Hepatitis C
MUSIC AND ARTS Ray Charles is hailed as one of the most influential musicians in American history. He is credited with inventing the soul music genre by blending gospel and R&B. He also mastered various other styles like jazz, blues, and country. His music legacy remains monumental, and he is often referred to as "The Genius."
Ray Charles wasn't just a musician; he was a musical architect. In the 1950s, he single-handedly demolished the walls between blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel, creating a new, soulful sound that would forever change the face of music. His recordings for Atlantic Records were a revelation, a testament to his genius and a harbinger of the musical revolution to come.
But Charles didn't stop there. In the 1960s, he dared to cross the Mason-Dixon line, blurring the boundaries between country, rhythm and blues, and pop music. His crossover success with ABC Records, particularly his Modern Sounds albums, was nothing short of groundbreaking. And let's not forget that he was one of the first black musicians to call the shots in the mainstream music industry.
Charles's impact on popular culture was undeniable. His hit "Georgia on My Mind" was the first of many chart-toppers, and his album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music was a landmark achievement. He had a knack for turning genres on their head, creating music that was both familiar and utterly new.
Of course, Charles wasn't a lone wolf. He was influenced by giants like Nat King Cole, Louis Jordan, and Charles Brown. And he formed a lifelong bond with the legendary Quincy Jones. Even Frank Sinatra, the King of Swing, recognized Charles's extraordinary talent, calling him "the only true genius in show business."
Charles's legacy is as vast as it is enduring. He was a pioneer, a visionary, and a true master of his craft. His music continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world, a testament to his enduring genius.
LITERATURE Although Charles didn't have much formal literary education due to his early blindness, he was highly literate in music, mastering musical composition and notation.
PETS Ray Charles was known to have a fondness for pets, particularly dogs.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Despite his blindness, Charles was a chess-playing fanatic. He was known to set up chess games between performances, enjoying the mental challenge the game provided.
Charles enjoyed listening to boxing and other sporting events.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Charles was musically gifted, which involved complex understanding of rhythms and harmonics, often related to mathematical precision in music.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Charles was raised in a strict Baptist home by his mother, Aretha, and was first exposed to music in church. As an adult, Charles maintained a belief in God and considered himself a spiritual person. He once said, "I'm a firm believer in God himself, but that's as far as I can go".
While he believed in God, Charles explicitly rejected any specific Christian denomination. He stated, "I'm not any denomination. I'm not Catholic or Presbyterian or Baptist or Methodist or Jewish or Muslim. I'm none of those things".
Charles' music often reflected his spiritual roots, particularly in his fusion of gospel and secular styles. His ability to infuse spirituality into his performances was noted, with one description stating, "Ray Charles shook the back of the house getting an 'amen,' brothers and sisters, Devil get out, hallelujah!"
POLITICS Ray Charles used his influence to support civil rights movements. He refused to play in segregated venues and later became a symbol for social equality.
SCANDAL Charles struggled with heroin addiction for almost 20 years. In the mid-1960s, he was arrested for possession of heroin and marijuana at a Boston airport. He later overcame his addiction by 1965 after successfully undergoing rehabilitation.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Ray Charles experienced declining health in his later years. In 2003, at age 73, Charles had to undergo hip replacement surgery, which forced him to cancel a planned tour. After the hip surgery, Charles was diagnosed with liver disease and hepatitis C. His liver problems were likely related to his past drug use.
HOMES Charles owned several homes throughout his life, including properties in Georgia, New York. and Los Angeles, where he built his recording studio.
TRAVEL As a successful musician, Charles toured extensively across the U.S. and internationally, playing at venues all over the world.
DEATH Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, at the age of 73 in Beverly Hills, California, due to liver disease.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Ray Charles made several media appearances throughout his career. He was featured in television commercials, performed in numerous television shows, and was the subject of the 2004 biopic Ray, starring Jamie Foxx, which won Foxx an Academy Award for his portrayal of Charles.
ACHIEVEMENTS Ray Charles won 17 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and received numerous other honors for his contributions to music.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Charles VIII, also known as "Charles the Affable," was the King of France from 1483 until his death in 1498. He is primarily known for his invasion of Italy in 1494, which marked the beginning of the Italian Wars and significantly altered the balance of power in Europe.
BIRTH Charles VIII was born on June 30, 1470, at the Château d'Amboise in France.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Charles was the only son of King Louis XI of France and Charlotte of Savoy. His father, Louis XI, was a shrewd ruler known as the "Universal Spider" for his complex web of alliances and political maneuvering, while his mother belonged to the noble House of Savoy.
CHILDHOOD Charles' childhood was marked by his father's strict upbringing and his mother's early death. He spent much of his youth being prepared for the role of king.
Charles became king at the age of 13 following the death of his father in 1483. His early reign was dominated by regency rule under his sister, Anne of Beaujeu, who acted as his guardian and regent until he reached adulthood.
EDUCATION Charles' education was overseen by his sister, Anne of Beaujeu. He was taught in the arts of governance, diplomacy, and the military, although his education was often overshadowed by his frequent ill health and physical limitations.
CAREER RECORD Charles VIII's reign was marked by his ambition to assert French power in Italy. In 1494, he led a military expedition into Italy, capturing several territories, including Naples, though he was ultimately forced to withdraw due to the League of Venice, a coalition formed against him.
APPEARANCE Charles VIII was known for his rather unattractive physical appearance: According to contemporary accounts, including that of Venetian diplomat Zaccaria Contarini, Charles was described as "small and ill-formed," with an unattractive pale face, large, lusterless eyes, an enormous aquiline nose, thick lips, and a stutter, He walked with a crouch and a limp, and had twitching movements in his hands and feet.
Portrait of King Charles VIII of France wearing the Collar of the Order of Saint Michael
FASHION Charles was known for his extravagant and luxurious fashion sense. He favored elaborate and expensive clothing, often adorned with jewels and precious metals.
Charles VIII promoted a distinctive fashion for men's shoes with square tips, resembling a duck's beak, to hide the fact that he had six toes on one foot. This style became popular at the end of the 15th century.
CHARACTER Charles was often characterized as impulsive, indecisive, and easily influenced by others. He was seen as lacking in both physical and mental vigor. Descriptions of him painted a picture of a king who was not particularly intelligent or charismatic, and whose leadership abilities were often questioned.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Charles VIII's reign was marked by serious political and military undertakings, leaving scant information about his lighter side.
RELATIONSHIPS Charles married Anne of Brittany in an elaborate ceremony at the Château de Langeais on December 6, 1491. Anne was 14 years old at the time, while Charles was 21.
This marriage was controversial and technically illegal at first, because Anne had already been married by proxy to Maximilian of Austria. Pope Innocent VIII had to annul Anne's previous marriage and provide a dispensation for her marriage to Charles, as they were related within the fourth degree of consanguinity.
The marriage was part of Charles VIII's strategy to annex the Duchy of Brittany to France. The marriage contract stipulated that if Charles died without male heirs, Anne would marry his successor.
Anne brought her entire army to the wedding ceremony as a clear sign of her objection to the match. She also reportedly brought two separate beds to the ceremony, indicating her reluctance.
Charles forbade Anne from using her title of Duchess of Brittany after their marriage, insisting she only use the title Queen of France. This was a source of contention between them.
Despite living apart for much of their marriage and having separate beds, Charles and Anne had seven pregnancies together. However, none of their children survived early childhood.
The marriage was often strained. Anne had limited roles in both France and Brittany during their marriage.
Marriage to Anne of Brittany at the Château de Langeais. By Tango7174 Wikipedia
MONEY AND FAME Charles VIII's Italian campaigns drained the French treasury. He amassed considerable debt to fund his military ambitions, leading to economic strain in France.
FOOD AND DRINK As a king, Charles VIII would have had access to a wide variety of foods, including fresh meats, game, fish, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods.Meals for royalty during this time period often included multiple courses with a variety of dishes.
Wine was likely a common beverage at meals.
Spices and seasonings were used liberally in royal cuisine to demonstrate wealth and status.
Fresh seasonal produce from royal gardens and estates was probably incorporated into meals.
MUSIC AND ARTS Charles VIII's court was influenced by Italian Renaissance culture, which he encountered during his campaigns in Italy. This exposure to Italian art and culture had a lasting impact on French art and architecture.
LITERATURE Charles VIII's reign was not particularly noted for literary achievements. However, his interest in Italy brought Italian literary and humanist influences to France.
Charles VIII's invasion of Italy and his relations with Pope Alexander VI are depicted in Robert Colburn's 2009 novel The Sultan's Helmsman.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Charles VIII enjoyed sports, particularly real tennis, which was popular among French nobility. It was on his way to watch a game of real tennis that he suffered the accident that led to his death.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY As King of France, Charles VIII was officially Catholic and the temporal leader of the Catholic Church in France.
He likely had a conventional Catholic faith typical of European monarchs of his time, though the depth of his personal devotion is unclear.
POLITICS Charles VIII's reign was heavily focused on foreign policy, particularly his ambition to establish a French presence in Italy. His Italian campaign initiated the Italian Wars, which would last for several decades and involve many European powers.
Charles VIII, the so-called "Affable," was a bit of a puzzle. On the one hand, he was a young man who ascended to the French throne at the tender age of thirteen. His sister, Anne, and her husband, Peter, duked it out with the great lords during his minority, a squabble known as the Mad War. It was a bit like a family reunion gone horribly wrong.
But then, Charles pulled off a real stunner. He married Anne of Brittany, who was already betrothed to the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian. It was like stealing a bride right out from under the nose of the most powerful man in Europe. Maximilian, busy with his own dramas in Hungary, blinked and missed his chance.
With Brittany under his belt, Charles turned his sights on Naples. He had a beef with the Anjou family over the throne there, and he was determined to settle it. With his fancy new artillery, he marched south and conquered the Italian peninsula like a kid in a candy store. The other European powers tried to stop him at a place called Fornovo, but they couldn't keep up with his fast-moving army.
Charles VIII was a bit of a contradiction. He was both affable and ambitious, a young king who made bold moves and faced down powerful enemies. He was a product of his time, a man shaped by the politics and power struggles of the late 15th century. And while his reign was relatively short, he left a lasting mark on European history.
SCANDAL Charles VIII's marriage to Anne of Brittany was a significant scandal. Anne had previously been betrothed to Maximilian I of Austria, and her marriage to Charles violated that agreement, leading to political tension.
MILITARY RECORD Charles VIII is most famous for his military campaign in Italy in 1494-1495, where he briefly captured Naples. However, his success was short-lived, and he had to retreat due to the formation of the League of Venice against him.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Charles VIII suffered from various physical ailments throughout his life. He had a noticeable stutter, a nervous twitch, and a malformed body, including a foot with six toes.
HOMES Charles VIII resided primarily at the royal Château d'Amboise and later at the Château de Langeais, where his marriage to Anne of Brittany took place.
TRAVEL Charles VIII's most notable travels were his military campaigns in Italy, which took him through the Italian Peninsula and exposed him to Italian Renaissance culture.
DEATH Charles VIII died on April 7, 1498, after striking his head on a lintel while on his way to watch a game of real tennis at the Château d'Amboise. He fell into a coma and died nine hours later.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles VIII has appeared in various historical accounts, books, and films about the French monarchy and the Italian Wars. His role in these stories often highlights his ambition and the consequences of his military campaigns. They include:
The 1671 English play Charles VIII of France by John Crowne depicts his reign.
In the 2011 Showtime series The Borgias, Charles VIII is portrayed by French actor Michel Muller.
In the 2011 French-German historical drama Borgia, Charles VIII is played by Simon Larvaron
ACHIEVEMENTS Charles VIII's most significant achievement was the temporary conquest of Naples and the initiation of the Italian Wars, which brought French influence into Italy and exposed France to Renaissance culture. His marriage to Anne of Brittany also played a crucial role in securing the union of Brittany with France.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Charles VII is best known for his role in turning the tide of the Hundred Years' War against the English, reclaiming much of France's territory, and stabilizing the country during his reign from 1422 to 1461. His collaboration with Joan of Arc and subsequent efforts to reform the kingdom established him as a key figure in French history.
BIRTH Charles VII was born on February 22, 1403, in Paris, France, as the fifth son of King Charles VI and Queen Isabeau of Bavaria.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Charles was born into the troubled French royal family during the Hundred Years' War. His father, Charles VI, suffered from mental illness, while his mother, Isabeau, was often accused of political intrigue. Charles's marriage to Marie of Anjou connected him to powerful French and European dynasties, including the House of Anjou and the royal claimants of Naples and Aragon.
CHILDHOOD Charles spent much of his childhood in a politically unstable environment due to the ongoing war with England and internal strife within the French nobility. As a child, he experienced the Burgundian capture of Paris in 1418 and fled to safety, leaving his betrothed, Marie of Anjou, behind.
EDUCATION Charles received a traditional education for a royal prince, including instruction in court etiquette, chivalry, and military training, alongside history, literature, governance and diplomacy. Despite the turbulent times, he was well-versed in the politics and strategies required to rule a fractured kingdom.
CAREER RECORD Charles ascended the throne in 1422 during one of the darkest periods of the Hundred Years' War.
His early reign was characterized by uncertainty, but he achieved a major turning point with the support of Joan of Arc, leading to his coronation at Reims in 1429.
Charles went on to reorganize the French army, establish a standing force, and reclaim lost territories.
APPEARANCE Descriptions of Charles VII suggest he had a thin, elongated face, with features that were considered noble yet somewhat severe. He was of medium height and had a pale complexion, with dark hair that he kept neatly trimmed.
Charles VII of France
FASHION Charles VII dressed in a manner befitting his royal status, which would have included rich fabrics and jewels.
Charles VII not only approved of his mistress Agnès Sorel's provocative fashion choices but actively encouraged them. When Jean Juvénal des Ursins, Archbishop of Reims, advised the king to correct such "indecent fashions," Charles merely laughed in response
CHARACTER Charles was often seen as cautious and reserved. His temperament was shaped by the challenging circumstances of his early reign, making him cautious and pragmatic in decision-making. While initially hesitant, he showed great determination once his resolve was set, particularly in his later efforts to reclaim France from English control.
Charles was known to be a private individual who would spend long periods sealed away
SENSE OF HUMOUR Charles VII's contemporaries noted that he could be sarcastic and cutting when challenged or in private conversations.
RELATIONSHIPS The wedding of Charles VII of France and his second cousin Marie of Anjou took place on December 18, 1422 in Bourges. Charles and Marie had been betrothed for several years before their actual wedding. Their betrothal agreement was first signed in 1413 when Charles was still Count of Ponthieu and Marie was only 9 years old.
The wedding occurred shortly after Charles had nominally succeeded to the throne following his father's death in October 1422. However, at this time, most of France was controlled by the English. Bourges, was one of the few areas still under Charles's control. He was often derisively called the "King of Bourges" during this period due to his limited authority
Marie's family, particularly her mother Yolande of Aragon, played a crucial role in her husband's victory in the Hundred Years War.
Queen Marie actively participated in the governance of France. She presided over the council of state several times during her husband's absence, acting as regent with the power of attorney and signing acts as "lieutenant of the king." She also undertook several religious pilgrimages, including to Puy with the king in 1424 and Mount St. Michel alone in 1447.
Marie of Anjou
Marie and Charles had fourteen children together. However, her husband's affections were primarily directed towards his mistress, Agnès Sorel, who was originally Marie's lady-in-waiting and became the official mistress to the king in 1444. Sorel's influence at court eclipsed the queen's until her death in 1450.
Charles' relationship with his son Louis (the future Louis XI) was tumultuous, marked by distrust and open conflict.
MONEY AND FAME Charles struggled with financial difficulties early in his reign but managed to stabilize the economy through taxation reforms and economic policies. His fame grew after his successes in the latter part of the Hundred Years' War and the rehabilitation of Joan of Arc.
FOOD AND DRINK Charles VII’s court was known for its modest feasts in his early years as king compared to earlier royal courts. He preferred simpler fare, reflecting the economic difficulties of his early reign.
Later, Charles would have participated in elaborate feasts and banquets featuring high-quality meats, fish, and produce, accompanied by fine wines.
MUSIC AND ARTS Under Charles VII, there was a revival in cultural patronage, particularly in music. The court became known for its musicians and the use of music in courtly and religious ceremonies.
LITERATURE Charles VII's court encouraged the production of chronicles, poetry, and prose that recorded and celebrated his reign, particularly his role in the latter stages of the Hundred Years' War and the rehabilitation of Joan of Arc.
Charles had a personal library and was known to read historical and religious texts.
NATURE Charles enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he had a deep appreciation for the natural world
PETS As a medieval monarch, Charles VII would kept hunting dogs. Also cats were kept in medieval castles to control rodents.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Charles VII's hobbies included hunting, fishing, and falconry. He was also interested in jousting and other medieval sports.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Charles reign saw advances in administrative and military organization.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Charles VII maintained a complex relationship with the Catholic Church. He sought to secure his authority against papal power through the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges, which asserted the independence of the French Church from Rome.
Charles VII's actions indicate that he engaged with religion primarily in its institutional and political forms, rather than displaying overt personal piety. His actions suggest a pragmatic approach to the Church as an institution, balancing its authority against his own royal power.
POLITICS Charles VII's reign was marked by careful political maneuvering to restore royal authority, stabilize the country, and reclaim territories occupied by the English. His policies were aimed at strengthening the monarchy and establishing a more centralized state.
Imagine inheriting a kingdom that’s about as battered and bruised as a boxer after a ten-round match. That’s essentially what Charles VII found himself in when he took the French throne during the Hundred Years’ War. The English, along with their Burgundian buddies, had gobbled up huge chunks of France, including the capital, Paris, and the coronation city, Reims. To make matters worse, his own dad, Charles VI, had basically disowned him and declared the English king, Henry V, as the rightful heir to the French throne. And if that wasn’t enough, France was also tearing itself apart in a brutal civil war between the Armagnacs and the Burgundians.
Charles was basically reduced to a king-in-exile, holed up in the city of Bourges. People were so quick to mock him that they gave him the nickname "King of Bourges," as if he were just a local ruler and not the king of an entire country. But things were about to take a dramatic turn.
Enter Joan of Arc, a young woman who claimed to have visions from God. She rallied the French troops and led them to a series of stunning victories, including the liberation of Orléans and the defeat of the English at Patay. With the English on the run, the people of Reims opened their gates, and Charles VII was finally crowned king in the grand Reims Cathedral.
Over the next few years, Charles continued to push back the English invaders, eventually signing a peace treaty with Burgundy and retaking Paris. He even managed to invent a new type of army, complete with fancy cannons, that helped him conquer Normandy. By the end of the war, the English were left with just a tiny sliver of land in France.
But Charles’s troubles weren’t over. His son, Louis XI, was a real handful, and the two of them were constantly at odds. It was almost as if the drama never ended in this royal family.
SCANDAL Charles's relationship with his mistress, Agnès Sorel, caused scandal at court, especially given her influence over political affairs. His strained relations with his son, Louis XI, and Louis's rebellious actions further fueled court intrigue and scandal.
MILITARY RECORD Charles VII is credited with revitalizing the French military by creating the first standing army since Roman times, which proved decisive in the latter stages of the Hundred Years' War. His military reforms, inspired by his collaboration with Joan of Arc, helped turn the tide against the English.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS In his later years, Charles VII suffered from a severe leg wound that failed to heal, likely due to complications from diabetes or another condition, which led to a prolonged period of illness before his death.
HOMES Charles VII lived primarily in Bourges during the early part of his reign, known as the "King of Bourges" for his limited control over France. Later, he ruled from various castles and palaces, including the Château de Vincennes, the Château de Chinon, and the Château de Loches.
Charles commissioned the construction of several grand buildings, including the Château de Chambord.
TRAVEL Charles traveled throughout France during his reign to consolidate his power, attend battles, and preside over various court and state functions.
DEATH Charles VII died on July 22, 1461, at the Château de Mehun-sur-Yèvre, after a prolonged illness. His death followed years of declining health, during which his son Louis XI refused to visit him despite being summoned multiple times.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles VII has been depicted in various historical novels, plays, and films, often in the context of Joan of Arc’s story. His character appears in George Bernard Shaw's play Saint Joan and several cinematic adaptations of Joan's life.
ACHIEVEMENTS Charles VII successfully restored French sovereignty over its territories by the end of the Hundred Years' War, established France's first standing army, and secured the independence of the French Church from papal authority. He rehabilitated Joan of Arc's reputation by overturning her previous trial in 1456, and his economic policies laid the foundation for a stronger, more centralized French state.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Charles VI, often referred to as "Charles the Mad," is most famous for his mental illness, which led to a period of instability in France during his reign as King of France from 1380 to 1422.
BIRTH Born on December 3, 1368, in Paris, France.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Charles VI was the son of King Charles V of France and Queen Joan of Bourbon. He was a member of the Valois dynasty, a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty. His family included several notable figures of French nobility, including his uncle, Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and his brother, Louis I de Valois, Duke of Orléans.
CHILDHOOD Charles had a privileged childhood as the heir to the French throne. He was tutored by some of the most learned scholars of his time, and was given a thorough education in governance and the arts of war.
EDUCATION Charles received a classical education typical for a royal child of his era, which included training in languages, history, philosophy, and martial skills. His early education was focused on preparing him for kingship, including lessons in statecraft and military strategy.
CAREER RECORD Charles VI became King of France in 1380 at the age of 11. Initially, his uncles governed as regents until he reached maturity. His reign was marked by several key events, including the ongoing Hundred Years' War with England, internal feuds between the French nobility, and his own recurring mental illness, which often left him unable to govern.
APPEARANCE Charles VI was described as an attractive, physically fit young man who was taller than average with a broad chest. His appearance was considered princely, with dark features that were well-suited to the chivalric ideals of his time.
Contemporary depiction of Charles VI (1415)
FASHION Charles was known to dress in the elaborate and sumptuous fashions of the French court, which was renowned for its style and sophistication during the medieval period.
CHARACTER Charles VI was known for his charm and graciousness in his youth but later became infamous for his bouts of madness. His mental instability led to erratic behavior and a fluctuating temperament, which caused great political turmoil in France.
SENSE OF HUMOUR It is likely that he shared the playful and chivalric spirit of his time. However, his later years were overshadowed by his mental illness, which likely affected his demeanor and interactions.
RELATIONSHIPS Charles VI married Isabeau of Bavaria on July 17, 1385. Although their marriage began with mutual affection, it became strained due to his illness and the political machinations that followed. They had 12 children, but only a few survived to adulthood. His youngest son, Charles VII, eventually succeeded him as king.
Due to his frequent bouts of mental illness, Charles VI was often unable to govern, leading Queen Isabeau of Bavaria, to rule with the assistance of his brother, Louis I de Valois, Duke of Orléans. This arrangement angered his cousin, John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, who ultimately ordered Louis's assassination.
MONEY AND FAME Charles VI’s reign was marked by economic difficulties exacerbated by his illness and the political instability it caused. His financial resources were often depleted by the costs of war and courtly expenses.
FOOD AND DRINK There is little specific information about Charles VI's dietary habits, but as a medieval French king, he would have had access to an array of rich foods typical of noble banquets, including meats, fish, bread, fruits, and elaborate desserts.
Isabeau of Bavaria, helped introduce foods from mainland Europe to the English court, including fancy sauces and vegetables.
Wine was likely his primary beverage, as it was safer to drink than water.
MUSIC AND ARTS Charles VI was a patron of the arts, and his court was a center of culture in medieval France. He supported musicians, artists, and poets, fostering a vibrant cultural environment. Here are some key aspects of his artistic patronage:
Charles VI supported the production of lavishly illuminated manuscripts. He commissioned several important works, including books of hours and other religious texts.
The king and Isabeau of Bavaria were avid collectors of jewelry and commissioned exquisite objects from Parisian goldsmiths. They developed a new enameling technique called "émail en ronde-bosse", which became popular among the nobility.
The king commissioned important tapestry series, following in the footsteps of his uncle Louis d'Anjou. This helped support the Parisian tapestry industry.
Charles drew inspiration from literary sources in creating his personal iconography, including emblems like a white hart with wings and a golden collar.
LITERATURE Charles VI was a reader and enjoyed the works of contemporary authors, including Jean Froissart.
Charles VI continued the work of his father, Charles V, in expanding the royal library housed in the Louvre. By 1380, it contained around 900 volumes.
The king supported various writers and poets. For example, he was advised to read the works of Eustache Morel (Deschamps), a court poet.
Charles VI's reign coincided with the production of notable literary works in France, including writings by Christine de Pizan, a pioneering female author who often reflected on the state of France under Charles's troubled rule.
NATURE Charles VI spent time in the countryside and enjoyed hunting and other outdoor activities.
Miniature showing King Charles VI at the hunt. Queen Isabeau and her retinue are shown riding palfreys.
PETS There is no detailed record of Charles VI's pets, though noble households of the period often kept hunting dogs and falcons.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Charles VI was interested in hunting and falconry. He also participated in jousting tournaments, a popular sport among knights.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Charles VI's reign was characterized by religious observances typical of a Christian king. He maintained the Church's favor, even as he enacted policies that had significant religious implications, such as the expulsion of Jews from his domains on November 17, 1394.
POLITICS Imagine a young king, barely out of his teens, thrust into the chaos of medieval France. Charles VI, a name that would become synonymous with madness, ascended the throne on September 16, 1380, surrounded by a bevy of scheming uncles. His reign was a rollercoaster of mental breakdowns, political power struggles, and foreign invasions.
First, there were the uncles. These power-hungry barons, each with their own agenda, vied for control of the young king. They manipulated him, fought amongst themselves, and plunged the kingdom into a state of perpetual turmoil. And then there was the king himself. Charles, a man of unpredictable temperament, suffered from a mysterious illness that sent him into fits of delirium. He'd attack his own men, babble incoherently, and believe he was a werewolf.
The situation was further complicated by the Hundred Years' War with England. Charles' armies were defeated time and again, and the English seemed poised to conquer France. To make matters worse, the king's own family was torn apart by internal feuds. His brother, the Duke of Orléans, clashed with his cousin, the Duke of Burgundy, in a brutal civil war that ravaged the land.
Through it all, Charles remained a pawn in the hands of others. His wife, Isabeau, was rumored to be having affairs and conspiring against him. His son, the Dauphin, was forced to flee the country as English forces advanced. And the king himself, a tragic figure in a tragic tale, was little more than a puppet, his mind a prisoner of his own madness.
SCANDAL Charles VI's reign was rife with scandal, including the assassination of his brother Louis I of Orléans, arranged by his cousin John the Fearless. Additionally, Charles was nearly killed during the scandalous Bal des Ardents on January 28, 1393, when several dancers' costumes caught fire, causing public outrage.
MILITARY RECORD Charles VI’s reign was marked by military challenges, primarily the ongoing Hundred Years' War with England. His early reign saw some victories, but later, due to his mental illness and internal political strife, the French army suffered significant defeats, notably at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Charles VI was initially healthy and physically fit, but from 1392 onwards, he suffered from recurrent bouts of madness, believed to be schizophrenia. He also suffered from glass delusions, believing his body was made of glass and might shatter, which heavily impacted his ability to rule.
HOMES Charles VI resided in several royal residences, including the Louvre Palace, the Château de Vincennes, and the Hôtel Saint-Pol. The Château de Vincennes became a favorite home, particularly for his wife, Isabeau.
Charles VI was involved in refurbishing several royal residences, most notably the château of Vincennes. Between 1362 and 1369, he employed 500 masons for this project.
TRAVEL Charles VI traveled for military campaigns, and his court moved between several royal residences throughout his reign. His travels were eventually limited due to his worsening mental condition.
DEATH Charles VI died on October 21, 1422, in Paris, France, at the Hôtel Saint-Pol, aged 53. He was succeeded by his son, Charles VII.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles VI has appeared in various historical texts, plays, and novels dealing with the Hundred Years' War. He is also depicted in paintings and other artworks from the medieval period.
In the 1944 film Henry V, Charles VI was portrayed by Harcourt Williams
Paul Scofield played Charles VI in the 1989 film adaptation of Henry V
In the 2012 TV series The Hollow Crown, Charles VI was played by Lambert Wilson.
Charles VI features in numerous historical documentaries about medieval France, the Hundred Years' War, and mental illness in history. For example, there's a documentary titled Charles VI - The French King Who Was Made of Glass that explores his reign and mental health issues
ACHIEVEMENTS Despite his mental illness, Charles VI’s reign saw the continuation of efforts to centralize royal power. His marriage alliance with Isabeau of Bavaria and the temporary peace treaty with England, marked by his daughter Isabella's marriage to Richard II of England, were notable diplomatic efforts during his reign. Charles was a patron of the arts and helped to preserve French culture during a difficult period.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Charles V was known for being one of the most powerful rulers in European history. He reigned over a vast empire that spanned Europe, the Americas, and parts of Africa and Asia. He was famous for his efforts to maintain Catholic unity in Europe during the Reformation and for his prolonged conflicts with France, the Ottoman Empire, and other rivals.
BIRTH Charles V was born on February 24, 1500, in Ghent, Flanders (present-day Belgium). His birth was somewhat undignified; he was born on the floor of a bathroom during a ball his mother was attending.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Charles V was the son of Philip I of Castile and Joanna of Castile. His father was a member of the House of Habsburg, a powerful European dynasty, and his mother was the heiress to the Spanish throne.
Charles V came from an impressive royal lineage. His paternal grandparents were Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, and Mary of Burgundy. His maternal grandparents were Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, the famed Catholic Monarchs of Spain. This illustrious heritage gave him a claim to numerous European thrones and dominions.
A painting by Bernhard Strigel representing the extended Habsburg family with a young Charles in the middle
CHILDHOOD Charles's childhood was marked by political turmoil and instability. His mother, Joanna, suffered from mental illness, and his father died when he was a young child. As a result, Charles was raised by his grandparents, Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire and Mary of Burgundy.
Charles had a privileged upbringing, but he was separated from his parents at a young age and raised primarily in the Netherlands. His early years were marked by a rigorous education and exposure to multiple cultures, reflecting the diverse territories he would later rule.
EDUCATION Charles received a broad education that included lessons in statecraft, military strategy, theology, and multiple languages. He was known for his linguistic skills, being fluent in French, Dutch, and Spanish, and conversant in German and Italian. His education was overseen by prominent humanist scholars of the time, which instilled in him a strong sense of duty and responsibility as a monarch.
CAREER RECORD Charles V became King of Spain in 1516 at the age of 16.
In 1519, he was elected Holy Roman Emperor after a contested election, partly won through strategic bribery of the electors.
Throughout his reign, he faced numerous challenges, including wars with France, the Protestant Reformation, and invasions by the Ottoman Empire.
He abdicated in 1555-1556, dividing his empire between his son, Philip II of Spain, and his brother, Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor.
APPEARANCE Charles V was of medium build with a distinctive Habsburg jaw, a genetic feature of his family line. He had fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes. He was often described as having a stern and imposing demeanor.
His most striking feature (described as "his greatest ugliness") was his mouth. Charles' teeth were disproportionate, with the upper and lower teeth not meeting properly, which made his speech difficult to understand and eating challenging
In his later years, he suffered from gout, which affected his physical appearance and mobility.
A 1519 portrait of Charles V by Bernard van Orley
FASHION Charles V was often seen in the elaborate and luxurious attire typical of the Renaissance nobility. He favored richly embroidered clothing, velvet, and furs, and was known to dress in a manner that reflected his status as a powerful monarch.
CHARACTER Charles V was known for his deep sense of duty, piety, and commitment to his role as a defender of the Catholic faith. He was a complex character, balancing ruthlessness in war and politics with personal humility and introspection.
SENSE OF HUMOUR While not known for his humor, Charles V did possess a dry wit. His correspondence occasionally reveals a sharp, sardonic sense of humor, particularly in his dealings with rivals and in his self-deprecating reflections on his burdensome role as emperor.
RELATIONSHIPS Charles V had a tense relationship with his rivals, especially Francis I of France, with whom he had a prolonged enmity. He was briefly betrothed to Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII, but the engagement was broken off.
Charles married Isabella of Portugal on March 10, 1526. The wedding took place at the Royal Alcázar of Seville in Seville, Spain.
Their marriage was initially arranged as a political union, but Charles and Isabella reportedly fell in love upon meeting for the first time. They were married in a quiet ceremony just after midnight in the Hall of Ambassadors at the Alcázar. Following the wedding, they spent their honeymoon at the Alhambra in Granada.
The marriage brought Charles a substantial dowry of 900,000 Portuguese cruzados from Isabella.
Though it started as a political arrangement, their marriage was described as happy, with both partners devoted and faithful to each other despite Charles' long absences
They had several children, including his successor, Philip II of Spain.
Isabella of Portugal died on May 1, 1539 in Toledo, Spain two weeks after giving birth to a stillborn son. She was 35 years old at the time of her death. The cause of death was likely due to complications from the pregnancy, including fever and hemorrhage.
Her death deeply affected Emperor Charles V, who refused to remarry and remained single for the rest of his life. Charles was so grief-stricken that he shut himself in a monastery for two months to mourn her passing.
Emperor Charles V and Empress Isabella. Peter Paul Rubens after Titian, 17th century.
MONEY AND FAME Charles V controlled vast wealth due to his extensive territories, particularly from the resources of the New World. However, he also faced enormous expenses due to constant wars, leading to frequent financial difficulties.
FOOD AND DRINK Charles V had a robust appetite and was particularly fond of rich, heavy foods, which may have contributed to his health problems later in life, such as gout. He enjoyed various delicacies of his time, including Spanish cuisine. He also drank wine and beer.
MUSIC AND ARTS As a Renaissance ruler, Charles V was a patron of the arts and encouraged music and culture at his court. He employed musicians, composers, and artists, promoting the spread of Renaissance culture throughout his domains.
LITERATURE Charles V was well-read and appreciated literature. He collected a significant library of books and manuscripts, reflecting his interests in theology, philosophy, and the classics.
Charles V features as a character in several literary works including:
In Christopher Marlowe's play Doctor Faustus, Charles V appears as a character whom Faustus visits at court.
He is a notable character in Simone de Beauvoir's novel All Men Are Mortal.
Lord Byron refers to Charles V as "The Spaniard" in his poem Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte.
NATURE Charles V enjoyed hunting and other outdoor activities. He also had a keen interest in botany and horticulture.
PETS TIt was common for noblemen of his era to keep hunting dogs and birds of prey. The Portrait of Charles V with a Dog, painted by Titian in 1533, depicts Charles V with a hunting dog.
The Portrait of Charles V with a Dog
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Charles V was an avid hunter and enjoyed jousting and other forms of courtly sports, which were popular among the nobility of his time.
Charles V was known to be a polyglot, speaking several languages fluently. He reportedly enjoyed learning and practicing languages, which could be considered an intellectual hobby.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Charles V was interested in the scientific advancements of his era. His court was a center for scholars, including scientists and astronomers, contributing to the scientific developments of the period.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY As a devout Catholic, Charles V was heavily involved in the religious conflicts of his time, particularly the Protestant Reformation. He sought to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in his realms and was deeply influenced by Christian theology.
In 1529, having made a peace treaty with his enemy, the King of France, Charles V was successfully stamping out the new Reformation movement. Suleiman's Ottoman Turks, who had swept through Eastern Europe, and were now laying siege to Vienna, distracted him. Despite having previously referred to Martin Luther as "This devil in the habit of a monk", Charles swallowed his pride and made peace with his Protestant subjects, so they could be united against the common enemy. Thus divine providence bought good out of evil.
POLITICS Charles V was a central figure in European politics, involved in numerous wars, alliances, and treaties. His reign was marked by his efforts to maintain Catholic unity and resist the growing Protestant Reformation.
Charles V had a knack for inheriting things. Born to one of the most distinguished and complicated family trees in Europe, he was barely out of diapers before he started collecting kingdoms like a child hoarding marbles. By 1506, after the rather untimely death of his father, he inherited the Low Countries – a charming assortment of damp, flat territories that would later become Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Then, at the ripe old age of sixteen, he became King of Spain, ruling as co-monarch of Castile and Aragon alongside his mother. His new Spanish portfolio wasn’t just limited to sunny Iberian realms; it also included far-flung bits like the West Indies, the Spanish Main, Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia, making it a sort of early 16th-century package tour.
But young Charles wasn’t done yet. In 1519, when his other grandfather, Maximilian I, shuffled off this mortal coil, Charles inherited the Austrian hereditary lands and was promptly elected Holy Roman Emperor. In a move that could be described as both ambitious and, well, a bit cheeky, he took on the title of Charles V and began styling himself as a new Charlemagne, the sort of branding exercise that only a young man with half of Europe in his back pocket could attempt with a straight face.
Charles had a bold idea. He wanted to bring back the medieval concept of a "universal monarchy," which was essentially a euphemism for “I’ll be in charge of everything, thanks.” This meant he spent a good deal of time on the road, crisscrossing his sprawling domains like a medieval rock star on a never-ending tour. He made some 40 journeys across his various realms and spent about a quarter of his reign on the move, which must have made packing a nightmare.
But although he inherited his vast empire more or less peacefully, Charles soon found himself at war with just about everyone. He spent his days and an enormous amount of money trying to preserve the integrity of the Holy Roman Empire. This involved exhausting campaigns to fend off the Reformation (the 16th-century equivalent of a European-wide political and religious upheaval), thwarting the expansionist ambitions of the Ottoman Empire, and engaging in a series of wars with the perpetually disagreeable French.
To fund his endless wars, Charles borrowed heavily from German and Italian bankers, a strategy that left him drowning in debt. To pay back these loans, he relied on the wealth of the Low Countries and the steady flow of silver arriving from New Spain and Peru, territories brought into his ever-growing portfolio following the rather aggressive Spanish conquest of the Aztec and Inca empires. In the end, Charles’s efforts to keep his empire intact left him with a treasury that was more holes than silver, an exhausted empire, and a legacy that would require his successors to untangle the mess for generations to come.
SCANDAL The imperial election of 1519 was surrounded by controversy due to the massive bribes paid to the electors, which some historians argue secured his victory as Holy Roman Emperor.
MILITARY RECORD Charles V was a skilled military leader and personally led several campaigns. He fought against the French, the Ottomans, and Protestant forces, achieving notable victories and suffering some defeats.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Charles V suffered from various health issues throughout his life, including gout, which caused him great pain and limited his mobility in later years. His heavy diet and constant stress from ruling contributed to his deteriorating health.
HOMES Charles V resided in numerous palaces and castles across his vast empire. His primary residences included the Royal Alcazar of Madrid, though Charles was often away on military campaigns and to administer other parts of his realm..
He commissioned the building of the Palace of Charles V near the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, intending it to be a permanent residence befitting an emperor.
At the end of his life, after abdicating in 1555, Charles retired to the Monastery of Yuste in Extremadura, Spain.
TRAVEL Charles V traveled extensively throughout his reign, visiting his numerous territories in Europe to maintain control and manage affairs. His travels took him across Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, the Netherlands, Italy, and other regions.
He made 40 journeys across the various entities he ruled, spending about a quarter of his reign traveling within his realms.
DEATH Charles V died on September 21, 1558, at the Monastery of Yuste in Spain, where he had retired after his abdication. He was 58 years old, and his death marked the end of a significant chapter in European history.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles V has appeared in various historical novels, films, and television series. He is often portrayed as a conflicted and complex ruler, balancing his imperial ambitions with his personal struggles and devout faith.
1. Opera. Charles V has been portrayed in multiple operas:
Ernst Krenek's opera Karl V examines Charles V's career through flashbacks.
In Giuseppe Verdi's opera Ernani, Charles V's election as Holy Roman Emperor is depicted.
Verdi's opera Don Carlo implies Charles V rescues his grandson Don Carlo in the final scene.
2. Film and Television Charles V has been portrayed on screen several times:
He is played by Hans Lefebre in the 1953 film Martin Luther.
Torben Liebrecht portrays him in the 2003 film Luther.
Sebastian Armesto plays Charles V in an episode of the TV series The Tudors.
Álvaro Cervantes portrays Charles V as the main character in the Spanish TV series Carlos, Rey Emperador.
Rupert Everett portrays Charles V in the series The Serpent Queen.
ACHIEVEMENTS Charles V's achievements include maintaining a vast empire that spanned several continents, his efforts to defend Catholicism during the Reformation, and his political and military successes against rivals such as France and the Ottoman Empire. His abdication and retirement set a rare precedent for monarchs of his time.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. Known for his long tenure as Prince of Wales, his public and charitable work, his passion for the environment and architecture, and his often controversial statements on public matters.
BIRTH Charles III was born at Buckingham Palace at 9:14 pm on November 14, 1948.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Charles III is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was born into the British royal family and became heir apparent at the age of three when his mother ascended to the throne in 1952.
CHILDHOOD Prince Charles was baptized with water from the River Jordan at Buckingham Palace. His father, Prince Philip, was famously playing squash when Charles was born.
As a child, Charles developed an interest in stamp collecting, particularly the colorful stamps from the places his parents visited. However, this hobby was not shared by his mother, who owned the Royal Philatelic Collection.
EDUCATION Charles attended Hill House School in West London and later Gordonstoun School in Scotland, the same school his father had attended. He was appointed school guardian (head boy) in his final year and even starred as the Pirate King in a school production of The Pirates of Penzance.
In 1966 Charles spent two terms at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia,
He later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he initially studied archaeology and anthropology before switching to history. In 1970, Charles became the first heir to the British throne to complete a university degree, graduating with a 2:2 degree in history.
CAREER RECORD Charles began his career in the Royal Navy in 1971, serving on several ships, including the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and the Commando carrier HMS Hermes.
He qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1974 and commanded the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington.
Charles undertook royal duties and charitable work for decades before becoming King on his mother's death on September 9, 2022.
APPEARANCE Charles is often described as tall, with distinctive features including large ears, which have often been the subject of public comment.
Charles III in 2023
FASHION Known for his traditional and classic style, Charles often wears tailored suits and has a preference for double-breasted jackets.
He has been noted for his advocacy of sustainable fashion and has reduced his carbon footprint by running his vintage Aston Martin on biofuel made from surplus wine.
CHARACTER Charles is considered a complex figure—reserved and thoughtful, with a keen intellect and strong opinions on a range of topics. He has been described as compassionate and dedicated to his charitable endeavors, but also as sometimes aloof and sensitive to criticism.
SENSE OF HUMOUR He is known to have a dry and often self-deprecating sense of humor.
RELATIONSHIPS In the spring of 1981, as daffodils bloomed and birds chirped merrily across the English countryside, Prince Charles - a man who had spent his entire life waiting to inherit a job from his mother - decided it was high time to take a wife. With all the romantic fervor of a man selecting a new pair of sensible shoes, he announced his engagement to Lady Diana Spencer on February 24th. When asked if he was in love, the Prince responded with a phrase that would make Casanova weep: "Whatever 'in love' means." One can only imagine the swooning that ensued.
On July 29, 1981, Charles and Diana tied the knot in St Paul's Cathedral, an event watched by over 700 million people worldwide. The wedding was a spectacle of such grandiose proportions that it made the construction of the pyramids look like a backyard DIY project. Brides Magazine, ever the authority on fiscal responsibility, estimated the cost at a mere $48 million - or $110 million in today's money, roughly the GDP of a small island nation.
The union produced two sons: William, born in 1982, and Harry, born in 1984. One imagines the Queen breathing a sigh of relief at the arrival of an heir and a spare, her dynastic duties thus fulfilled.
Alas, the fairy tale was not to last. After years of what can only be described as a marriage of inconvenience, Charles and Diana's union was dissolved on August 28, 1996, in a London basement at the ungodly hour of 10:27 am. The couple, demonstrating their commitment to the very end, were 500 miles apart at the time. The court action cost $31.00, proving that while you can't put a price on love, you can certainly put one on its demise.
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles made their grand debut as a couple in public on a rather unremarkable day in 1999. They emerged from the Ritz Hotel in London, a venue that has seen more scandal than a tabloid editor on a slow news day, and posed for the cameras like two slightly nervous teenagers at their first school dance. This was no ordinary outing; it was the moment the world had been waiting for, as the long-rumored romance finally stepped into the spotlight, ready for its close-up.
Fast forward to April 9, 2005, a date that would be etched in the annals of royal history. Charles and Camilla, now officially an item, exchanged vows in a civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor. Yes, you heard that right—a civil ceremony! This was a royal first, as Charles opted for a registry office rather than the grandiosity of a church. It was a bit like choosing to have a quiet cup of tea instead of a lavish banquet. The couple's wedding was a blend of tradition and modernity, with a subsequent religious blessing at St. George's Chapel, because what’s a royal wedding without a sprinkle of pomp and circumstance?
The event was attended by a select few, including the Queen, who, despite her reluctance to witness her son’s unconventional nuptials, managed to show up for the blessing. One can only imagine the conversations that took place over cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey afterward. Charles and Camilla’s union was a saga of love, resilience, and a touch of royal rebellion, marking a new chapter in the life of a prince who had long been entwined in a narrative of duty, heartbreak, and, ultimately, love.
MONEY AND FAME As Duke of Cornwall, Charles inherited the revenue from the Duchy of Cornwall, which provided him with a substantial income. He also inherits possessions of those who die in Cornwall without a will or next of kin. As a high-profile royal, Charles has always been in the public eye and was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history.
FOOD AND DRINK Charles is known for his commitment to organic farming and locally sourced produce. He has even converted his own farms to organic methods and is a patron of various food and agricultural initiatives.
MUSIC AND ARTS Charles is passionate about the arts, particularly classical music and opera. He has also dabbled in watercolor painting and had one of his watercolors displayed in the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition in 1987.
LITERATURE Charles has expressed a deep love for literature and has often quoted Shakespeare and other literary figures in his speeches.
Has authored or co-authored 17 books on various topics. They include Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World (2010), which reflects his views on the environment, architecture, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. It was co-written with Tony Juniper and Ian Skelly, emphasizing sustainable living and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations
NATURE A long-time advocate for environmental causes, Charles has spoken out about climate change, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. He has implemented many green practices in his homes and gardens.
PETS Charles has always had a love for animals and has been seen with various pets throughout his life, including Jack Russell Terriers.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS He enjoys watercolor painting, opera, and hedgelaying, a traditional British practice of maintaining hedgerows. Charles has been a keen sportsman, enjoying polo and sailing in his younger years.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Charles has shown interest in sustainable technologies and environmental science, advocating for alternative energy and organic farming.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY As the Monarch of the United Kingdom, Charles is the "Supreme Governor" of the Church of England and a sworn protector of the Church of Scotland. He is a committed Anglican Christian and has often spoken about interfaith dialogue and understanding.
POLITICS Although a constitutional monarch, Charles has often expressed his views on issues such as architecture, environment, and agriculture, sparking debates about the proper role of the royal family in political matters.
SCANDAL Charles has been at the center of several controversies, including his comments on modern architecture, which he famously called "monstrous carbuncles." His affair with Camilla Parker Bowles during his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, also generated significant scandal.
MILITARY RECORD Charles served in the Royal Navy, where he gained various ranks and qualifications, including that of a helicopter pilot. He remains an Admiral in the Royal Navy, an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force, and a General in the Army.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Charles has been generally fit and active throughout his life, participating in sports such as polo and skiing. He was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024
HOMES Charles has several residences, including Highgrove House, Clarence House, Birkhall in Scotland, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
TRAVEL Charles has traveled extensively both within the UK and internationally, often on official royal duties. He has visited numerous countries as a representative of the British Crown.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles has been featured in numerous documentaries, interviews, and news segments throughout his life. His life and relationships have also been portrayed in popular culture, including television series such as The Crown.
ACHIEVEMENTS Charles has been a significant patron of over 400 charities, set up The Prince’s Trust, and has been an outspoken advocate for the environment, architecture, and social issues. His coronation as King took place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Known as the "Merry Monarch," Charles II is famous for his restoration to the English throne in 1660 after a period of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell. His reign marked the Restoration era, a time of lively cultural revival, political intrigue, and the re-establishment of the monarchy following the English Civil War.
BIRTH Charles II was born on May 29, 1630, in St. James's Palace, London, England.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Charles II was the son of King Charles I of England and Henrietta Maria of France. He was part of the House of Stuart, a royal family with Scottish origins. His father, Charles I, was executed in 1649 during the English Civil War, an event that deeply impacted his early life and future reign.
Charles was called by Parliament the Son of the Last as they thought his father would be the last King of England.
CHILDHOOD Charles grew up in a tumultuous time, marked by civil war and political unrest. He was just 12 years old when the English Civil War broke out in 1642, and he spent much of his youth in exile in France and the Dutch Republic after his father's execution. These years in exile were formative, teaching him valuable lessons in diplomacy, negotiation, and survival.
Portrait by William Dobson, c. 1642 or 1643
EDUCATION Charles II received an informal education while in exile. He was tutored in classical languages, history, and politics by scholars and courtiers loyal to the royal family. His time abroad also exposed him to continental European culture, including the arts and sciences.
The philosopher Thomas Hobbes had an informal role in the education of Charles II, primarily offering intellectual guidance and philosophical discussions rather than formal teaching. Hobbes, known for his political philosophy and scientific interests, was not officially designated as a tutor but was more of an intellectual companion to the future king during his time in exile.
CAREER RECORD 1649: Fled to France after the execution of his father.
1651: Briefly returned to England to claim the throne but was defeated at the Battle of Worcester and forced to flee again.
1660: Returned to England and was restored to the throne.
1665: Faced the Great Plague of London.
1666: Faced the Great Fire of London.
1685: Died at the age of 54.
APPEARANCE Charles II was a tall man, standing at approximately 6 feet tall. He had a robust build, which later in life became somewhat heavier.
Charles had a dark complexion, often described as "sable hue." His natural hair was dark and reached his shoulders. However, as he aged, he began to lose hair and used wigs to conceal the thinning patches.
Charles's face was deeply lined, even at a relatively young age. This was likely due to a combination of factors, including his stressful childhood and his later hedonistic lifestyle.
His physical appearance was often described as charismatic, with a lively expression and a commanding presence that endeared him to many of his subjects.
Portrait by John Riley, c. 1683–1684
FASHION Charles II was a trendsetter in his time, known for his elegant and flamboyant style. He popularized the "Charles II periwig," a long, flowing wig that became fashionable in the Restoration court. His attire often featured luxurious fabrics and elaborate designs, reflecting his taste for opulence.
Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist, did record in his diary on October 7, 1666, that King Charles II had introduced the waistcoat as part of court dress. Pepys noted that the king had resolved to establish "a fashion for clothes which he will never alter," referring specifically to a "long cassocke close to the body, of black cloth and pinked with white silk under it." This was an effort by Charles II to promote a more modest and English style of dress, in contrast to the elaborate and extravagant French fashions of the time. Thus, the waistcoat became an important element in men's clothing, marking a shift towards a more restrained style.
Charles had a particular fondness for lace, especially lace cravats and collars. He was once reported to have paid over £20 for a new lace cravat.
Charles was known to wear Persian coats underneath his waistcoats and lace cravats.
When Charles was forced to flee England after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, he adopted a disguise to avoid capture. He had his hair cut short, smeared his face with walnut juice, and wore green breeches.
CHARACTER Charles II was a complex figure, known for his wit, charm, and affability. He was shrewd, pragmatic, and adaptable, qualities that helped him survive the turbulent political climate of his era. He was a capable ruler who skillfully navigated the challenges of his reign. However, Charles was also known for his hedonistic lifestyle and his tendency to favor his friends and mistresses over his family.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Charles II was renowned for his sharp wit and sense of humor. He loved jokes, banter, and clever wordplays. His humor helped him maintain popularity, even when his decisions were controversial.
Charles II often regaled his courtiers with tales from his own life, much to their amusement and sometimes their annoyance. While his stories could be entertaining, courtiers who had heard them countless times would often seek excuses to escape, hoping to avoid another lengthy recitation. Interestingly, Charles's departure from a room often had a brightening effect, perhaps due to the relief his courtiers felt at no longer having to endure his storytelling.
Charles was known for his quick wit and ability to adapt to social situations. A famous anecdote involves his encounter with William Penn, the founder of the Quaker movement. Penn, a staunch advocate for religious equality, refused to remove his hat in the presence of royalty. When Penn met Charles II, he maintained his hat, a bold gesture that defied traditional etiquette. Charles, rather than taking offense, removed his own hat. When Penn inquired about this unexpected action, Charles replied that it was his custom for only one person to wear a hat in the King's presence. This witty response demonstrated Charles's ability to defuse a potentially tense situation with humor and diplomacy.
RELATIONSHIPS In 1645, Catherine de Braganza's father, King John IV of Portugal, proposed her marriage to the then Prince Charles. Prim and proper, quiet but fiery, the princess came with a substantial dowry. The ceremony was held on May 21, 1662, in Portsmouth, following the restoration. To accommodate both Catholic and Anglican traditions, two ceremonies were conducted: a private Catholic service followed by a public Anglican one.
Charles was far from a faithful husband. He had numerous mistresses throughout his reign, earning him the nickname "Old Rowley" after a notorious stallion. One of his most famous mistresses was Nell Gwyn, a former orange seller turned actress known for her wit and vivacity. Unlike Catherine, Nell was a single mother, a social outlier at the time. This relationship added a layer of scandal to the court.
The Earl of Rochester wrote on the door of Charles' bedchamber: "Here lies our sovereign Lord the King, whose promise no one relies on. Who never said a foolish thing. Nor ever did a wise one."
Catherine had nine miscarriages, and never produced an heir, a fact that marginalized her at court. She apparently held a deep affection for Charles despite his philandering ways.
Charles acknowledged fourteen illegitimate children by seven different mistresses. His most prominent illegitimate son was James Scott, born from a relationship with Lucy Walter. James, later known as the Duke of Monmouth, played a significant role in politics, even leading a rebellion against Charles.
Despite the lack of legitimate heirs, Charles left a lasting family legacy. Several of his illegitimate sons became Dukes, with titles like Southampton, Grafton, and Richmond still existing today. Descendants of Charles II, through his acknowledged sons, can be found in the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Duke of Grafton, and Duke of St Albans lines.
Double portrait of King Charles II and Catherine of Braganza circa 1665
MONEY AND FAME Charles II spent eight years in exile on the European continent following the execution of his father. During this time, he experienced significant financial hardship.
Upon his restoration, in exchange for agreeing to abolish certain outdated feudal dues, Charles received an annual income of £1,200,000 from Parliament. However, this grant proved to be of limited practical value. The amount represented a maximum withdrawal limit from the Treasury, and the actual funds available often fell short. To address these financial challenges, Charles appointed George Downing, the namesake of Downing Street, to reform the management of the Treasury and tax collection.
During the Great Fire of London, Charles actively participated in firefighting efforts, personally distributing guineas to the bucket brigades.
In the latter years of his reign, Charles ruled without Parliament, relying on subsidies from his cousin, King Louis XIV of France. In 1675, Louis XIV bribed Charles with 500,000 crowns to delay the convening of Parliament for fifteen months.
Despite his royal status, Charles II often struggled with finances. The cost of maintaining the court, his lavish lifestyle, and his debts from years in exile led to ongoing financial difficulties. The fame of the Merry Monarch, however, was widespread; he was celebrated across Europe for his charisma and his role in restoring the monarchy.
FOOD AND DRINK Charles II enjoyed fine dining and had a taste for French cuisine, a preference he developed during his years in exile. He was known to host lavish feasts at court and had a fondness for good wine, especially claret.
Charles was presented with the first pineapple grown in England in 1675.
Painting by Hendrick Danckerts
Charles II, having spent his youth in the Dutch capital, developed a taste for tea. His Portuguese bride, Catherine de Braganza, also brought with her a fondness for the beverage. Upon her arrival in England, Catherine introduced tea to the royal court, and it quickly gained popularity among Charles and his circle.
While tea became a favored drink, Charles viewed coffee houses with suspicion. He referred to them as "seminaries of sedition," suggesting that they were breeding grounds for political dissent.
Charles's chef, Giles Rose, was renowned for his culinary skills. One of his specialties was napkin folding, and he was said to be able to fold a napkin in 26 different ways.
MUSIC AND ARTS A great patron of the arts, Charles II supported musicians, playwrights, and artists. He helped establish the Royal Society, and fostered the careers of notable figures such as composer Henry Purcell and architect Sir Christopher Wren.
He was the first English king to attend a public theater, attending an opera titled The Siege of Rhodes. In 1662, he made a significant change to the theater world by allowing women to take female roles in plays, replacing the tradition of using young men or boys. This innovation was exemplified by the casting of Desdemora in Othello.
Charles was also a music enthusiast. He enjoyed dancing and appreciated music that he could tap his feet to. He was known to bring back new musical ideas from his travels in France, including the violin ensemble.
LITERATURE Charles II was an avid reader with a particular interest in history and philosophy. He encouraged the publication of literature and the development of libraries, and his court was a hub for writers and thinkers of the period.
As soon as he was on the throne his supporters rushed into print details of his escape to France recording every detail in His Most Sacred Majesty's Most Miraculous Preservation.
NATURE Charles II had a keen interest in natural history and the sciences, which led him to support the Royal Society, an institution dedicated to scientific inquiry. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, particularly in his gardens.
PETS Charles II was fond of animals, especially dogs. He is famously associated with the King Charles Spaniel, a breed named after him that he helped popularize at court. He was often seen with two or three of these dogs accompanying him,. Each of Charles' dogs had a designated cushion, and he enjoyed taking them for walks in St. James's Park. Spaniels were often used by the ladies of his court as personal warmers, nestled beneath their voluminous skirts.
Despite their less-than-ideal house-training habits, Charles's spaniels were allowed to sleep on his bed. This practice, much to the chagrin of his courtiers who complained of the unpleasant odor, underscored his deep fondness for his canine companions.
In addition to his love of dogs, Charles also had a fondness for birds. He frequently visited the aviaries in St. James's Park, enjoying the beauty and sounds of the feathered creatures.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Charles II was a physically fit individual with a passion for sports. After witnessing a football match in Florence, he became a fan of the sport. Following his coronation in 1651, he participated in a game of golf.
During his exile in Holland, Charles discovered yachting and brought this sport back to England. He was also a frequent visitor to horse races, achieving success as a jockey at Newmarket and establishing it as a center of the racing world.
Charles was a skilled tennis player and also participated in the less-popular sport of cockfighting. He excelled at the game of paille-maille, a precursor to croquet.
As king, Charles frequently strolled through the city of London, often accompanied by his friend, the diarist John Evelyn, and his beloved spaniels.
Charles enjoyed hunting, including deer hunting. His reputation for having an eye for attractive young women led to the phrase "pretty young dears" being associated with his hunting exploits.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Charles II's reign saw significant advances in science and mathematics. He granted a royal charter to the Royal Society in 1662, supporting the work of scientists like Isaac Newton and Robert Hooke.
Charles II had a keen interest in mechanical devices, particularly clocks. His chambers were adorned with numerous timepieces, each striking at a different hour. He also maintained a laboratory at Whitehall Palace, where he spent considerable time conducting experiments. This fascination with mechanical things showcased his curious and inquisitive nature.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Though Charles II was nominally Anglican, his religious views were often pragmatic and he sought to balance the competing religious factions in his kingdom,
In 1662, the Act of Uniformity was passed, requiring ministers to conform to the Book of Common Prayer or face losing their positions. This led to the emergence of Nonconformists, those who did not adhere to Anglican practices. Subsequent acts, such as the Conventicle Act of 1664 and the Five Mile Act of 1665, further restricted the activities of Nonconformists, limiting their religious gatherings and teaching opportunities.
While Charles had numerous mistresses, only Nell Gwyn was Protestant. The majority of his other mistresses were Catholic, reflecting his personal leanings towards the faith.
The Treaty of Dover, a secret agreement between Charles II and Louis XIV of France signed on June 1, 1670, outlined Charles's plan to convert to Catholicism and restore it as the dominant religion in England.
Charles sought to establish himself as an absolute monarch, similar to his French counterpart Louis XIV. He successfully ruled without Parliament from 1680 onwards. In 1681, he rejected the "Exclusive Bill," which aimed to exclude his Catholic brother James from succeeding him to the throne. In response, Charles dissolved the House of Commons and offered to appoint William III as regent for James.
Charles II's religious beliefs were a subject of speculation. Although a member of the Anglican Church, he received the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church on his deathbed. This suggests a potential conversion to Catholicism in his final moments.
During a sermon by Dr. Robert South, Charles and his attendants were observed nodding off and even snoring. South, noticing the drowsy congregation, humorously interrupted his sermon, admonishing Lord Lauderdale for his loud snoring and its potential to disturb the King.
POLITICS Charles II skillfully navigated the political landscape of Restoration England, balancing his power with that of Parliament. He dealt with issues such as the Exclusion Crisis, religious conflicts, and foreign relations, often adopting a moderate stance to maintain stability.
MILITARY RECORD Charles II's military record was mixed. He faced a series of conflicts, including the Anglo-Dutch Wars, which were marked by naval battles and territorial disputes.
At the tender age of twelve, Charles II witnessed the Battle of Edgehill, a pivotal moment in the English Civil War.
In 1650, Charles attempted to invade England from Scotland. However, his efforts were thwarted by Oliver Cromwell, who defeated him at Worcester in 1651. Charles managed to escape, embarking on a perilous journey through the Midlands and South of England before reaching Shoreham-by-the-Sea. From there, he obtained a fishing boat and crossed the English Channel to the Netherlands.
In 1664, a Dutch port named New Amsterdam was captured by the British. In honor of Charles's brother, James, Duke of York, the city was renamed New York.
In 1667, Charles agreed to a secret pact with Louis XIV of France. Under the terms of the agreement, Charles pledged not to oppose Louis XIV's invasion of the Spanish Netherlands.
SCANDAL Charles II's court was rife with scandal, from his numerous mistresses to his political maneuverings. His relationships with influential women, such as Barbara Villiers and Nell Gwyn, were the talk of the town and fueled many rumors and controversies.
Charles II's policies often met with public disapproval. His friendship with Louis XIV of France, his encouragement of Catholicism, and his tendency to avoid Parliament alienated many of his subjects.
After the Battle of Worcester, a bounty of £1,000 was placed on Charles's head. Parliament's posters described him as a "tall, black man over two yards wanted." To evade capture, Charles entered Bridport in disguise, with cropped curls, a face smeared in walnut juice, and green breeches. Despite the presence of Cromwellian troops, he managed to stop at a local inn, now a shop, before escaping to Normandy.
The secret hiding place where Prince Charles concealed himself after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, along with Major Carless, remains preserved at Boscobel House in Shropshire. The royal oak tree on the property is believed to be a descendant of the original tree that provided refuge for the future king. Charles ascended the tree using a hen roost ladder and disguised himself as a servant, narrowly avoiding detection.
In 1675, Colonel Thomas Hood, a highwayman, posed as a clergyman to gain access to the Royal Treasure Room in the Tower of London. He overpowered a guard, stole the Crown Jewels, and attempted to flee. Although captured before leaving the Tower, Charles was so intrigued by the daring heist that he commuted Hood's death sentence and awarded him a yearly pension of £300.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Charles II enjoyed robust health for much of his life, though he suffered from occasional illnesses. His active lifestyle, including hunting and other sports, helped keep him fit.
One of Charles' royal duties involved the "royal touch," a belief that the King's touch could cure scrofula, a skin condition. During his reign, an estimated 92,107 people sought his healing touch, each receiving a specially minted gold angel as a memento. The ceremony, accompanied by choral music, sometimes resulted in tragic accidents, as evidenced by the six people who were trampled to death in a single session.
Charles suffered from syphilis, likely contracted from his mistress Nell Gwyn. The prescribed mercury treatment caused kidney poisoning, leading to a sudden collapse. His doctors employed drastic measures, including hot iron cauterization, blistering, purges, enemas, and bloodletting.
Charles II's life came to a tragic end in 1685. While shaving, he suffered a fit. His attending physicians, employing the same questionable remedies, ultimately failed to save his life. Charles died two days later, a victim of the limited medical knowledge and practices of his time.
HOMES Charles II resided in several royal palaces, including Whitehall, Hampton Court, and Windsor Castle. His court was known for its opulence and vibrancy, a reflection of his personality and the cultural revival of the Restoration era.
Following the victory of Parliament in the English Civil War, Charles II fled to the continent in 1646. In 1650, Charles returned to Scotland in an attempt to reclaim the throne. However, his efforts were unsuccessful, and he was once again forced to flee to the continent after his defeat at Worcester in 1651. During his exile, Charles sought refuge in various European countries, including the Isles of Scilly, France, Germany, and Belgium. He spent time in Breda, South Holland, during his years abroad.
In 1660, Charles returned to England, arriving in London on his birthday. His homecoming marked the restoration of the monarchy.
After his restoration, Charles purchased Dudley End, a property near Saffron Walden, Essex, for £50,000
TRAVEL During his years in exile, Charles II traveled extensively throughout Europe, living in France, the Dutch Republic, and Spain. As king, he often moved between his royal residences but did not travel extensively abroad.
In 1660, Charles returned to England with a fleet of 100 ships. His homecoming marked the restoration of the monarchy.
In 1660, Charles received a gift from the Dutch: a 100-ton yacht named "Mary." This vessel became a personal pleasure craft for the king.
DEATH Charles II died on February 6, 1685, at Whitehall Palace in London. His death followed a sudden illness that began with a seizure and was marred by the ineffective treatments provided by his team of highly paid physicians. Their suggested remedies, such as applying a live pigeon to the King's feet, were both bizarre and ineffective.
The King, aware of the prolonged nature of his illness, apologized to those around him, expressing his regret for taking so long to die. His final words were a plea for the well-being of his mistress, Nell Gwyn.
Charles was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, where a wax effigy of him remains on display. His death marked the end of the Restoration period.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles II has appeared in numerous works of fiction, television, and film, often depicted as a witty, charming monarch with a love for life. His character has been portrayed in works such as the BBC series Charles II: The Power and the Passion and the novel Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor.
ACHIEVEMENTS Charles II is credited with restoring the monarchy, fostering the arts and sciences, and navigating a complex political landscape. His reign saw the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666, the establishment of the Royal Society, and the revival of English theatre, which had been suppressed under the Puritan regime.
(1) The British Cabinet has its origins during his reign.
(2) The Restoration brought peace to troubled England after a year of anarchy between Richard Cromwell's death and Charles' succession.
(3) Charles showed a lack of vindictiveness, following the restoration. Only reaped vengeance on those who had signed the death warrant of his father
(4) About one fifth of all Dukes today are descended from Charles and his mistresses.
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