Exploring Life as a Historical Monarch

Daily writing prompt

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?

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I’ve always fascinated by British history, especially the monarchy. King Henry VIII was the king who sparked my interest. Yes, he was a tyrant, but his life was incredibly captivating. My interest grew after watching the Showtime series, The Tudors. While the series was dramatized, it largely stuck to his history. His reputation as the king with six wives is summed up in the saying, “Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.”

I was hooked. This series led me dive deeper into the royal lineage, and the history of each monarch. I read a book about the life and story of King Henry VIII and his six wives. It was enthralling to me that he set the tone for modern history. His decision to break from the Catholic church and establish the church of England was monumental. Despite being a devout Catholic himself, he did it to marry the infamous Anne Boleyn. A very powerful move, changing the course of history. 

If I could be someone else for a day, I would be the Queen of England. Queen Elizabeth I, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s daughter, to be exact. Her reign stands out as a small shift and turning point for women. She defied societal expectations and chose her own path.  Independent, resolute, strong, and though she never married or had heirs, she wielded immense power as Queen. 

She rejected many of her advisors’ counsel and stood firm in her beliefs.  Proving that a woman could rule with strength and intelligence. During an age that was dominated by men. The “Virgin Queen” may not have pleased the patriarchy, but her impact was indisputable. 

I’d love to experience the day she led her army against the Spanish Armada. Standing at the frontlines in armor, delivering her famous speech, “I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.” This was moment in history at was inspirational. 

Aside from luxury and praise, I would want to step into her shoes for a day.  I want to understand and witness what life was really like as a queen during such a turbulent time. She showed the world that a woman could hold the same power as a king.  To me, her voice and leadership were strong than that of male rulers of her time.