I've written extensively on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth and seen up close how those women, who were born when the country hoped for a male heir, made their way as leaders.

Kate Williams

Born Close Country Elizabeth Heir Hoped How Leaders Made Male Queen Seen Those Up Victoria Way Were Who Women Written

Related Quotes

The centuries-old habit of privileging the male heir arose because monarchs were supposed to lead their country in battle, and only men were thought strong enough to do so.

— Kate Williams

BattleBecauseCountry

There's four biggies. There was Elizabeth I, George III, Victoria, and the current queen, who really dominated four eras.

— Geoffrey Rush

CurrentDominatedElizabeth

Women's stories have been neglected for so long - unless they were queens. Exploring the history of women is a way of redressing that imbalance.

— Kate Williams

BeenExploringHistory

When Elizabeth II was crowned - the sixth female monarch since the Norman conquest - the world lit up in her favour.

— Kate Williams

ConquestCrownedElizabeth

Britain's passion for Christmas and huge white weddings dates from Victorian times - both were low-key celebrations before Victoria and her PR machine.

— Kate Williams

BeforeBothBritain