Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza

by Susan Abernethy

Catherine of Braganza has regularly been referred to as ‘the forgotten queen’ and there is much truth in this statement. Following her death in 1705, a fully detailed biography in English remained unwritten until 1915. The last major bio published about her was in Portuguese in 1941 and it has never been translated into English. Despite her sheltered and religious upbringing, she made a spectacular marriage that was plagued by the infidelities of her husband. Readers can readily find published biographies of Charles II’s many glamourous mistresses, but curiously, little on his wife. This new work presents more comprehensive information on Catherine’s life in Portugal than previous biographies and integrates new scholarship regarding Catherine’s practice of queenship and patronage of Catholic Baroque culture in an effort to carve out a prominent role at the Stuart court and to compete with her rivals. Readers familiar with Catherine’s story may learn some delightful new details about her life.

Catherine has never been forgotten in Portugal. She considered herself Portuguese at heart and during her reign as Queen of England, she persistently looked out for Portuguese interests. In her own words, she considered her marriage a personal sacrifice to what was best for her home country. She is one of the few dowager queens in history to return to her homeland where she acted as regent for her brother.

This biography places Catherine within the context of the history of Portugal and their seaborne empire, and the strong political and commercial ties between England and Portugal dating to the mid-fourteenth century which played a key role in the culmination of the Marriage Treaty of 1661. Her legacy lives on in her dowry, specifically the port of Bombay which allowed England to become a global empire, introducing many everyday items into European culture.

Genres: British Literature, History

248 pages, Hardcover

Published June 30, 2025

Reviews

[Juliew. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was mostly a political account which was disappointing.I had hoped it would be more balanced but it did have more information than any other book that I have read that mentions her.She is often a very small side story to Charles II's reign so I was really interested to see what this would provide.Not much as it turned out.Personal details were sparse but there were a few surprises to me which is always nice in a biography or memoir.The researched seemed sound,the writing text book like but overall if you know absolutely nothing about Catherine of Braganza could be worth a read to you.

Much thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review

[Tony Riches · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

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

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

History is full of the stories of kings and other great men. But what about the queens who served alongside them? In this book, the author, Susan Abernethy, brings to the fore the life and legacy of Catherine of Braganza.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Anthionette E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Strength of Catherine, Queen of England
Charles II's Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza tells the story of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess who married King Charles II of England. Her marriage to Charles II wasn't just about love; it was about power, politics, and alliances. But this wasn't some fairy tale; Catherine had to leave everything she knew in Portugal and face a whole new world in England.

Life wasn't easy over there in England; Catherine had to deal with a lot of personal struggles. But she stuck it out and stayed loyal to Charles II even when he wasn't exactly loyal to her. Over time, Catherine was left to figure things out on her own after the death of Charles. Eventually, she went back to Portugal; and that's where the real plot twist happens. Read Charles II's Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza by Susan Abernethy to see how Catherine's life journey played out.

The author's writing is clear and detailed; it vividly paints a picture of the 17th-century royal life. It was very easy to imagine the lifestyle and the tension in the political atmosphere. The book also goes deep into the emotional aspects of Catherine's life. Readers get to have a personal look at Catherine's thoughts, feelings, and all of the difficult decisions she has to make.

I love how well-researched the book is; it definitely makes for a solid historical account. It felt like I was in one of those narrative history classes. The book doesn't just focus on the facts and datings; it also gives us an understanding of Catherine's character, her inner strength, and exactly how she influenced both Portuguese and English history, even though she wasn't always in the spotlight.

One of the biggest themes in this book, I'd say, is 'resilience'. This particular attribute was embodied by Catherine. While reading this book, you'll get to understand the tough moments Catherine faced: moving from Portugal to England; being a Catholic queen in a Protestant country; struggling with other marital issues; and many more she had to endure. But through it all, she stays strong, kind, and loyal.

Another important theme, in my opinion, is the theme of duty versus personal happiness. Catherine's marriage wasn't really about love; it was about politics. She made sacrifices; and a large part was her own happiness, in order to serve her country and her new role as queen. But she stayed true to her faith and traditions.

Furthermore, there are a lot of things to learn from Catherine's journey of life. I believe this book would appeal to people differently. You'd also find lessons and morals that align with your perspective, based on how Catherine led her life. I think that's one of the beautiful things about this book.

In addition, there isn't anything I found objectionable about this book. Author Abernethy did a great job in structuring the book. Each chapter had sub-sections; which made it not only easy to navigate, but easy to digest. There were also no errors found in this book; it was exceptionally edited. Therefore, I rate Charles II's Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical biographies and royal history, because of the scenes contained in this book. Also, if you're a student or just someone who is interested in learning about the relationship between Portugal and England; this book is a perfect fit.

[Amy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

On May 22, 1622, England's King Charles II married the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza. Although from an illustrious family and the consort of a colorful monarch, Catherine receives little singular attention in early modern historiography compared to Charles' many mistresses. Susan Abernethy rectifies this in her biography Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza. In this compelling and illuminating work, Catherine receives full serious and academic treatment from one of the best historical writers of the modern day.

Abernethy initially establishes a solid foundation with a comprehensive history of the Braganza family and Portugal's place in the medieval and early modern worlds. She then moves into the bulk of the biography itself, revealing the portrait of a generous, kind, pious, and magnanimous queen. The author then concludes with a discussion of Catherine's impact on English history, especially in relation to the establishment of the British Empire.

Contemporary and modern day accounts of Catherine often portrayed her in a negative light. The queen’s sheltered upbringing ill-prepared her for life in the glittering English court, particularly in light of the Restoration in 1660. Catherine’s Catholic faith, her “foreignness”, and her seeming barrenness turned many against her. Additionally, her most prominent supporter - Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon - fell from grace and left her adrift in an unfamiliar land.

But, as Abernethy demonstrates, Catherine persevered and emerged as a highly successful early modern queen. Through religious, cultural, and artistic patronage, Catherine steadily spread her influence throughout England. She also promoted interfamilial and extrafamilial relationships, such as when she organized an Italian opera performance for Mary of Modena, the second wife of James, Duke of York, and her mother. Finally, it speaks to her character that she even tolerated Charles' numerous extramarital affairs (and even bonded with Louise de Kérouaille over their mutual Catholic faith). After Charles' death in 1685, Catherine returned to Portugal and acted as regent for her brother King Pedro II in 1701 and 1704-05. The queen aptly navigated the political spheres as required, contributing to Pedro's enlightened reign.

The focus on Catherine's childhood and post-England life in Portugal perhaps struck me the most about Abernethy’s biography. As she notes, present historiography often focuses on her life in England. Unfortunately, this can result in an Anglo-centered bias not grounded in more objective perspectives, casting Catherine as an unsuccessful foreign queen who failed in her duties. “These older biographies are written in effusive Edwardian prose and perpetuate many of the myths about Catherine which sometimes put her in a poor light.”

Abernethy's treatment of the outlying periods in Catherine's life - predominantly how the terms of her English marriage directly influenced the rise of the British Empire - render her perhaps among the most important of England's early modern consorts. Such a portrayal contrasts sharply with the mousy, passive queen amongst her husband's lively bevy of mistresses. 

Charles II’s Portuguese Queen marks a powerful reexamination of Catherine of Braganza. Hers is a far-reaching legacy, and one that should not be forgotten.

Thank you to the author and Pen & Sword for a digital copy of this book via NetGalley for review consideration.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout English history, a colorful cast of queens has left their marks in their distinct ways. While the Plantagenet and Tudor queens are more well-known, the Stuart queens and the mistresses of the Stuart kings were dynamic in their unique ways. One of the lesser-known queens was the wife of King Charles II. Though Charles II is known for his numerous mistresses, his wife Catherine of Braganza is not discussed much in England, but in her native Portugal, she is famous. So who was Catherine of Braganza, and what is her legacy in England and Portugal? Susan Abernethy tells the story of this almost forgotten queen in her book, “Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza.”

I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. I am someone who is dipping her toes into the Stuart dynasty, so I wanted to explore a story about someone new to me. When I saw the title and subject of this book, it piqued my curiosity because I have heard of Catherine of Braganza, but I know nothing about her.

Before we dive into the actual life of Catherine of Braganza, Abernethy takes the time to explore the relationship between Portugal and England, which culminated in the union of King Charles II and Catherine. I didn’t know much about the history of Portugal except for the aspect that is included during the life of John of Gaunt, so I was excited to learn more about how Portugal became a trading and exploration powerhouse. It was the rise of the House of Braganza that propelled Catherine into a position to marry the King of England.

As the daughter of King John IV of Portugal and Queen Luisa de Guzman, Catherine was destined to marry a member of royalty, but the issue was a matter of faith. Catherine was a devout Roman Catholic, whereas Charles II was a Protestant who was trying to restore his kingdom after the reign of the Protector Oliver Cromwell. Catherine also had to deal with the numerous mistresses of Charles II, like Barbara Villiers, Lucy Walter, Louise de Keroualle, and Nell Gwyn, who were able to give Charles children while Catherine remained barren. Throw in a few anti-Catholic plots, and you can start to understand the strain Catherine was under while living in England. Eventually, after the death of Charles II, Catherine decided to return to her native Portugal, where her life took an unexpected twist with the War of the Spanish Succession until she died in 1705.

I found Catherine of Braganza such a fascinating figure. She did so much in her lifetime, and it is a shame that Catherine does not get more attention. Abernethy does an excellent job of telling the story of this queen who is often in the shadow of more boisterous figures of the age and integrating the history of Portugal into this book. If you want to learn more about a Stuart queen who is often forgotten and her impact on two nations, I highly recommend you read “Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza” by Susan Abernethy.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I am trying to expand my reading interests in historical women beyond the Tudor period. So, I was greatly excited by the prospect of another published book about Catherine of Braganza coming out.

This book is a great Catherine of Braganza sandwich. The meat of the book paints a vivid picture of who she was as a royal Princess and Consort. However, the information about Catherine is bookended by very dense material that is more tangentially related to Catherine.

Now, I will say that I found this information at the beginning of the book interesting because previously, I had very little knowledge of Portuguese history. Although, this exploration of how Catherine’s family rose to power and how Portugal became a central power in Europe took up the first 20% of the book, I found it incredibly helpful in understanding why Charles II was inclined to marry Catherine over a French princess when he had far greater connections to that country.

The pieces at the end of the book, though, were just not for me. The final 10% of the book focused on how Catherine’s dowry, particularly the port of Bombay, helped build the East India Company into a global power. While this is part of Catherine’s legacy, it was a long, convoluted amount of information that had nothing to do with her other than how the port came under British control. I also could have done without learning the trajectory of tea drinking in Europe. I get that Catherine is said to have brought the practice with her when she married Charles, but this would have been better served as an appendix, in my opinion.

My favorite part of the book and the place where Catherine’s tenacity was shown through was in the description of her regency in Portugal. I wish that this section had been delved into a little deeper, but it just demonstrates that she was a fully capable woman who many often underestimated.

This is a good introduction to Catherine’s story, but she is not the central focus of the book. It might be a good place to start your journey about learning about the only Portuguese Queen Consort of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, War, Classism, Pandemic/Epidemic

[Nick Artrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested and received an eARC of Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza by Susan Abernethy via NetGalley. I thought I had left the Stuarts behind for a while after 2024, but when I saw this title about Charles II’s consort I couldn’t resist. I couldn’t tell you much about Catherine of Braganza specifically other than the fact that she and and Charles were unable to produce an heir and that she helped to popularize drinking tea. In the opening to her text, Abernethy reinforces the idea of Catherine as the “forgotten queen,” emphasizing that she largely been overlooked in history in favor of her husband, the Merry Monarch, and his long list of lovers. Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza pulls forgotten consort out of the shadows and sheds light on her own life and contributions to history and culture.

There isn’t much known about Catherine of of Braganza’s early life, but the first few chapters of the book familiarize the reader with Portuguese history and the rise of the Braganza dynasty, which I found to be very helpful. My knowledge of Portuguese history is quite limited and it really helped me to understand what was at stake in the marriage alliance between England and Portugal and where exactly Catherine fell in all of that. Abernethy provides a succinct overview of the most pertinent details that was both accessible and entertaining to read and this is a quality that never diminished as I made my way through Catherine’s adult life.

I haven't often considered what life at court must have been like for Catherine, but Abernethy's book has certainly forced me to reconsider her. She was ill prepared for her new life in England and it's impossible not to feel sympathy for her. Confronted with circumstances that weren't quite what she imagined, Catherine faltered but managed to to course correct and adapt. Abernethy does a wonderful job of detailing all of the difficulties Catherine would have been forced to navigate and creates a captivating portrait of a very fascinating woman. I left Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza with the sense that I had a better understanding of the consort and a greater appreciation for her role in history.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine of Braganza was a Portuguese princess who became Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland through her marriage to King Charles II. Born on November 25, 1638, in Vila Viçosa, Portugal, she was the daughter of John IV of Portugal, the first king from the House of Braganza, and Luisa de Guzmán.

*Early Life and Marriage*
Catherine's marriage to Charles II in 1662 was a strategic alliance between Portugal and England. As queen, she faced challenges due to her devotion to Roman Catholicism, which made her unpopular in England.

*Contributions to the Dual Empires*
- *Strengthening Portuguese-English Relations*: Her marriage to Charles II solidified the alliance between Portugal and England, paving the way for future diplomatic and trade agreements.
- *Methuen Treaty*: In 1703, Catherine supported the Methuen Treaty, a significant trade agreement between Portugal and England that boosted economic ties between the two nations.
- *Regency in Portugal*: After returning to Portugal in 1692, Catherine acted as regent for her brother, Peter II, in 1701 and 1704-05, demonstrating her leadership capabilities and involvement in Portuguese politics.
- *Mentorship*: She was a mentor to her nephew, Dom João, Prince of Brazil, who later became a prominent figure in Portuguese history.

*Legacy*
Catherine is also credited with popularising tea drinking in Britain, although this claim is somewhat disputed. Her legacy extends to her role in shaping the cultural and economic ties between Portugal and England. She was known for being dignified.

*Later Life and Death*
Catherine died on December 31, 1705, at the Bemposta Palace in Lisbon, where she had lived upon her return to Portugal.

Catherine of Braganza and Charles II did not have any children together. Despite being married for 24 years, Catherine suffered a series of miscarriages and failed pregnancies due to health issues and Charles II's illegitimate children from his many mistresses. Their marriage was a complex mix of affection, duty, and disappointment. Despite their issues, Catherine remained devoted and faithful to Charles, and he, in turn, insisted that she be treated with respect.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting history about one of the less written about England queens though much has been written about the many mistresses of her husband. Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese noblewoman/princess, had to deal a country that spoke another language, was much colder and rainier than her own, hostile to her religion, a husband who had many publicized mistresses, and the pressure of producing a male heir which she never did that many would have considered her many point in life. In this well researched work, Susan Abernethy portrays her sympathetically and reveals the strength this woman had, the influence she asserted as queen, as well as places Portugal in the context of its seafaring empire and the connection it had to Britain. Perhaps Catherine's greatest legacy was the dowry she brought which included the port of Bombay which allowed Britain to become a global power that lasted centuries and the influence of everyday things that she favored which are now considered quintessentially English, namely tea.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Rozsa Gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This scholarly tour de force sheds light on Catherine of Braganza's thirty years in England as Charles II's queen, and also on her thirteen years in Portugal, during which time she served twice as regent for her brother the king. Abernethy's attention to the context in which Catherine's political marriage was made provides a fascinating glimpse into 17th century European geopolitics. England's recognition of the House of Braganza as Portugal's royal dynastic house provided a hedge against the Habsburg rulers of Spain. In exchange, Portugal gave Tangier and the islands of Bombay to England as part of Catherine's dowry. I now understand how important this marriage alliance was to both parties. Abernethy's book also offers far-reaching insight into the origins of England's empire-building with the East India Company.

[Luciano Anastasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Long-Overdue Tribute to a Queen of Two Worlds

Charles II’s Portuguese Queen by Susan Abernethy is a beautifully written and deeply researched biography that restores Catherine of Braganza to her rightful place in history. Often overshadowed by the glamour of Charles II’s court and his mistresses, Catherine emerges here as a dignified, politically astute, and resilient figure whose marriage helped shape the future of the British Empire. Abernethy masterfully blends Portuguese and English history, illuminating Catherine’s vital role in diplomacy, religion, and cultural exchange. A must-read for fans of royal biographies and early modern history!

See full review at: https://historymedieval.com/charles-i...

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Charles II’s Portuguese Queen by Susan Abernethy knowing almost nothing about Catherine of Braganza, and I came away completely fascinated. Abernethy brings Catherine to life as so much more than just a footnote in Charles II’s story — she was smart, resilient, and politically savvy. The book is detailed but very readable, and I loved learning about her Portuguese background too. If you enjoy discovering overlooked figures in royal history, this is definitely one to pick up!

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well-researched biography tells the story of Catherine of Braganza, the “forgotten queen” of England, offering an account of her life in Portugal and England, her role at the Stuart court, and her lasting legacy. Interesting, informative, and easy to read, the book also helps provide context for Great Britain’s colonial expansion and the rise of the East India Company.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.