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The Forum: Christina of Sweden: Queen of surprises

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Christina of Sweden by Jacob Heinrich Elbfas, 1640s

28/07/2018 GMT

Christina of Sweden: Queen of surprises

BBC World Service - The Forum, Christina of Sweden: Queen of surprises

The rebellious monarch who scandalised 17th-century Europe

Bridget Kendall follows Christina of Sweden's adventurous life with biographer Veronica Buckley, and historians Stefano Fogelberg Rota and Therese Sjovoll.

An accomplished young horsewoman who loved fencing and male attire, the 17th-century Swedish Queen Christina was anything but a conventional princess. And she kept springing surprises on her court and country: after just a decade on the throne she abdicated, converted to Catholicism and moved to Rome. Once there, she put herself forward as a candidate for the post of queen of Naples, opened a public theatre and scandalised the Holy See by a liaison with a cardinal. Bridget Kendall follows Christina's adventures with biographer Veronica Buckley, and historians Stefano Fogelberg Rota and Therese Sjovoll.

Photo: Christina of Sweden by Jacob Heinrich Elbfas, 1640s

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