Henrietta Maria, the queen consort of Charles I, is often vilified in history as the 'Popish brat of France' and a 'notorious whore.' Commonly blamed for her husband’s conversion to Catholicism and the ensuing civil war, she is remembered as a domineering figure and a harsh mother. However, Leanda de Lisle's exploration offers a fresh perspective, revealing a queen who was much more than the negative stereotypes. She was a playful bride who enjoyed teasing her serious husband, a trendsetter in fashion and culture, and a pioneering builder and gardener. Contrary to the image of a bigot, her inner circle included both Puritans and Catholics, and she played a significant role in the anti-Spanish faction at court during the Thirty Years' War. As civil war erupted, her strategic acumen and fundraising efforts as 'She Generalissimo' were vital to Charles's military endeavors. The narrative spans various European courts and delves into the struggles faced by Henrietta Maria’s family during civil unrest. It also addresses her estrangement from her son Henry, ultimately reshaping her legacy from that of an irrelevant figure to an influential 'phoenix queen,' presiding over a lively court that rivaled that of Charles II.
