Chapters cont... 4. Anglo Norman period 5. Medieval 6. Early Modern 7. C20 &21 ps The Queen Mother

The concluding section to 'Royals in War', continuing from th previous episode. But before we go any further, please

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To be King, Queen, Pharaoh, Tsar or Emperor a person had to gain power over people, a person had to hold power over people and lastly that person had to pass that power onto their successor of choice.

‘War should be the only study of a Prince. He should consider peace only as breathing time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans’. Yes Machiavelli; despite being tortured by a prince, was still clear headed enough to understand what a prince, a king, had to do to stay on top. In peacetime a king can maintain his power with spectacles, tournaments and Royal progression across him realm – bread and circuses. But when a challenge looms, war is not far behind. The ruler must don his amour and lead his men to victory. Or death.

Even as young democracies emerged, kings, with their conviction upheld by Divine Right, would only reluctantly surrender the levers of power when a sharp blade is held to their throat. How can monarchs gain, hold and pass on absolute power – have a listen to find out.

so it goes,

Tom Assheton and James Jackson