Hobson, Claire Charles II

From the Cradle to the Crown

As a powerful king who advocated a permissive society, Charles II shaped the culture of Restoration England, but who and what shaped Charles? Although his mother Henrietta Maria described him as ugly, he was adored as a child as the amiable Prince of Wales. Some people seemed to like his playful nature too much, and his education suffered as a result, while sports and royal ceremonies excited him. Measures were taken to quickly de-boyish him so that he could cope with his future role, ruling over three kingdoms, but the English Civil War brought too much too soon. At the age of 12, Charles faced the attacking cavalry of the Roundheads at Edgehill, and as a teenager he led the Cavalier troops in the west of the country and in Jersey before taking command of the navy. Courageous, intelligent and sociable, he seemed to be a good future king. However, with the assassination of his father, the monarchy was abolished by the revolution. In his desperation, Charles abandoned the episcopacy, became involved in European politics and participated in conspiracies, risking everything to restore the Stuart monarchy. After his coronation in Scotland, he faced execution for invasion. Oliver Cromwell defeated him at the Battle of Worcester, and prolonged exile drove the increasingly promiscuous Charles through Catholic, Presbyterian and Republican countries until an invitation came from Parliament. This book examines Charles as prince and pauper from his birth in 1630 to his thirtieth birthdaythe day of restitution. It explores the influence of women on his development, considers his early sex life, and addresses rumours about the succession. It paints a clearer picture of the young Charles and reveals the emergence of the Merry Monarch.