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Profs and Pints DC presents: “Kings from Queens,” a look at the men who succeeded women on Britain’s throne and how King Charles III might stake up against them, with Sabrina Alcorn Baron, lecturer in history at the University of Maryland at College Park and scholar of Britain and medieval and early modern history.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has brought her son Charles Philip Arthur George to ascend to the throne and be proclaimed King Charles III. He takes on that role knowing that his mother, who reigned longer than any monarch in British history, will be a hard act to follow. Is he the right fit for Britain as it faces challenging times? How will his legacy compare to that of this mother?
Join Dr. Sabrina Baron, whose research and teaching is heavily focused on Britain’s royal past, for an in-depth look at how the new king fits in among Britain’s many past rulers and what history tells us about his prospects for success.
She’ll discuss how three of the longest reigning and most successful monarchs of England and Britain were women succeeded by middle-aged or elderly men who earned mixed reviews.
Queen Elizabeth I was followed on the throne by her second cousin, James VI of Scotland, who seemed far less interested in governing than he was in hunting and being in the company of attractive young men. Queen Victoria’s son, Edward VII, was the ultimate playboy, arguably could have reduced the likelihood of World War One breaking out, and died in the midst of a constitutional crisis.
Now comes Queen Elizabeth II’s son Charles–divorced, alienated from a son, known for voicing strong opinions. Perhaps Brits can be forgiven for having a familiar sinking feeling.
Anglophiles and others who follow Britain’s royal family won’t want to miss this discussion. (Advance tickets: $12. Doors: $15, save $2 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later. Please allow yourself time to place any orders and get seated and settled in. The Bier Baron will be requiring event attendees to purchase a minimum of two items, which can be food or beverages, including soft drinks.)
Image. Queen Elizabeth holds Charles, her heir to the throne, after his christening in 1948. (Photographer unknown / Netherlands National Archives.)
