Book Review: Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza, by Susan Abernethy

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza offers a compelling and nuanced portrait of an intriguing woman often relegated to the footnotes of history. I confess to previously knowing little about Catherine's life, but  this new book presents her as a significant figure in her own right, whose influence on English society and culture was more profound than commonly acknowledged.

Susan Abernethy's meticulous research details Catherine’s journey from her sheltered upbringing in Portugal to her arrival in England as the bride of the restored King Charles II. Her marriage was based on the strategic importance of the Portuguese alliance and the significant trading dowry it brought, including Bombay and Tangier. 

Unfortunately for Catherine, her convent education meant she was poorly prepared for the challenges of kife t the English court. As well as the language barrier and anti-Catholic sentiment in England, she had to cope with  the King's notorious infidelities, most notably with Barbara Villiers.

What shines through in Abernethy’s work is her dedication to exploring Catherine’s resilience and intelligence in the face of these difficulties. The book reveals a woman of quiet strength, piety, and dignity who navigated a complex and often hostile court with grace. 

I was surprised by Catherine’s loyalty to her husband despite his personal failings, and how she made the most of the hand she had been dealt. These details paint a richer picture of Catherine’s impact, demonstrating how she subtly shaped the social and cultural landscape of her adopted country.

Portrait of Catherine of Braganza in 1663 by Sir Peter Lely

(Wikimedia Commons)

Susan Abernethy’s writing is engaging and accessible. She seamlessly weaves together historical accounts, letters, and contemporary sources to create a narrative that is both informative and captivating. While acknowledging the limitations imposed on Catherine by her position and the era, the book persuasively argues for a reassessment of her legacy.

I particularly liked the subheadings throughout the book which help readers navigate the timelime and break up chapters into convenient sections.

Charles II’s Portuguese Queen is a fascinating exploration of the Stuart court, the complexities of royal marriage, and the often-overlooked contributions of women in history.  It succeeds in elevating Catherine of Braganza from a footnote to a figure deserving of greater recognition and understanding. Highly recommended.

Tony Riches

(A review copy was kindly provided by the publisher, Pen & Sword Books)

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About the Author

Susan Abernethy’s passion for history dates back fifty years and led her to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in history at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently a member of the Rocky Mountain Medieval and Renaissance Association, the Society for Renaissance Studies and the Historical Association. Her work has appeared on several historical websites and in magazines and includes guest appearances on historical podcasts. Her blog, The Freelance History Writer, has continuously published over five hundred historical articles since 2012, with an emphasis on European, Tudor, Medieval, Renaissance, Early Modern and women’s history. She is currently working on her third non-fiction book. You can find Susan on Twitter and  Bluesky @susanabernethy2.bsky.social