Royal mistresses - Charles Carlton

Since the beginnings of the British monarchy, members of the Royal Family have enjoyed illicit sexual relations. These have both shocked and amused subjects, while sometimes having significant political implications. Henry I, for instance, had over 20 illegitimate children, whom he used to further his dynastic aims. Henry VIII's affairs helped engender the Reformation. The scandalous behaviour of George III's sons towards their mistresses showed how the new middle classes wanted the Royal Family to epitomize the domestic virtues which Queen Victoria was to personify. Royal homosexual liaisons, such as those of Edward II and James I, have had profound political effects. More recently Edward VIII's infatuation for Mrs Simpson has served as a warning of the terrible danger illicit affairs pose to a constitutional monarchy. This study not only provides an innovative way of looking at the development of the British monarchy, but investigates the relationship between sex and power.