Punch magazine satirised the absurdity of the debate as to whether or not Cromwell should have a statue at Westminster in 1845. It reasoned that if Cromwell were to be excluded history books would have to be re-written proving that Charles Stuart died comfortably in bed!
Scene from the series ‘Charles II: The Power and the Passion’
Following his restoration, King Charles II returns to Whitehall, the scene of his fathers execution, and has Charles I portrait restored in place of Cromwell’s.
The Stuart Kings as Parents
Where emotions were concerned, so affectionate were the relations of Charles II with his illegitimate children that it was all the more regrettable that he should lack legitimate heirs. The next century would see disputes between royal father and son become the norm, not the exception. Since children tend to reproduce the family pattern they have experienced, a terrible chain of events was set up. King and Prince of Wales were in constant conflict. The boy dreamt of by Queen Catherine in her delirium would have had a happier fate, since Charles II had always enjoyed delightful relations with Charles I. For that matter, Charles I had been greatly loved by his own father James I. The Stuarts, for all their weaknesses in other respects, made good parents, unlike the Hanoverians, they were characterized by warm family relationships. Charles II would have been an excellent father within the marriage bond.
- King Charles II by Antonia Fraser
Portrait of the eldest children Charles I 1630s
Sir Anthony van Dyck
In 1635 Van Dyck painted a group portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria’s eldest children, which she sent to her sister, Christina, Duchess of Savoy, in exchange for portraits of the Duchess’s children.
The King however was annoyed that in the painting Van Dyck had portrayed Charles, the Prince of Wales in his infant’s coats and it may well have been to placate him that he painted this second and more adult group.
As well as changes in costume, Van Dyck significantly altered the composition by adding a second dog and positioning the youngest child, James, Duke of York in the centre of the group. Altogether the sitters are given here a more adult stance and demeanour while retaining their charm and sensitivity.
Ah yes, the paintings at Warwick Castle. When I visited with some friends, the poor tour guide couldn’t compete with the Stuarts and had to give us a moment to flail. Still, he had plenty of Charlie stories for us. We clearly found another fan.Things of interest in Warwick Castle; England: Part 13
Anthony Van Dyck, The five eldest children of Charles I. From left, they are Mary, James, Charles, Elizabeth, and Anne, 1637
‘You are the son of our love’
This letter was written by King Charles I to his son, the future Charles II, while he was in the hands of the army and prior to the trial that would eventually lead to his execution.
Newport, November 29, 1648.
Son,
By what hath been said, you may see how long we have laboured in search of peace. Do not you be discouraged to tread those ways, to restore yourself to your right; but prefer the way of peace. Show the greatness of your mind, rather to conquer your enemies by pardoning than punishing. If you saw how unmanly and unchristianly this implacable disposition is in our evil willers, you would avoid that spirit. Censure us not, for having parted with too much of our own right; the price was great; the commodity was security to us, peace to our people. And we are confident another Parliament would remember how useful a King’s power is to the people’ s liberty.
Of how much we have divested ourself, that we and they might meet again in a due Parliamentary way to agree the bounds for Prince and people! And in this, give belief to our experience, never to affect more greatness or prerogative than what is really and intrinsically for the good of our subjects (not satisfaction of favourites). And, if you thus use it, you will never want means to be a father to all, and a bountiful Prince to any you would be extraordinarily gracious to… if princes, like the sea, receive and repay all the fresh stream and rivers trust them with, they will not grudge, but pride themselves, to make them up an ocean.
These considerations may make you a great Prince, as your father is now a low one; and your state may be so much the more established, as mine have been shaken. For subjects have learnt (we dare say) that victories over their Princes are but triumphs over themselves; and so, will be more unwilling to hearken to change hereafter.
The English nation are a sober people; however at present under some infatuation. We know not but this may be the last time we may speak to you or the world publicly. We are sensible into what hands we are fallen; and yet we bless God we have those inward refreshments, that the malice of our enemies cannot disturb. We have learnt to own ourself by retiring into ourself, and therefore can the better digest what befalls us; not doubting but God can restrain our enemies’ malice, and turn their fierceness unto his praise.
To conclude, if God give you success, use it humbly and far from revenge. If He restore you to your right upon hard conditions, whatever you promise, keep. Those men which have forced laws which they were bound to observe, will find their triumphs full of troubles. Do not think anything in this world worth obtaining by foul and unjust means. You are the son of our love; and, as we do not more affectionally pray for you (to whom we are a natural parent) than we do, that the ancient glory and renown of this nation be not buried in irreligion and fanatical humour… that you may in due time govern, and they be governed, as in the fear of the Lord.
C.R.
On this day in 1649, Charles I was executed. His son, later to become Charles II, didn’t find out for almost a week.
It wasn’t until 5th February that news reaching the continent was certain enough for Charles to be told of his father’s death. Upon being addressed as ‘Your Majesty’, the teenage prince- now technically a king- burst into tears.
King James I of England and VI of Scotland, King Charles I and King Charles II Unknown artist, line engraving, probably 18th century
Charles Prince of Wales Future King Charles II c.1635
Charles was born on the morning of May 29, 1630, and there was great rejoicing in the royal household that he was a fine strong baby. The king at once rode in state to St. Paul’s Cathedral to give thanks for the birth of an heir. While the procession was on its way a bright star appeared in the noonday sky. This was hailed as a good omen, and an epigram was composed on the occasion:—
“When to Paul’s Cross the grateful King drew near,
A shining star did in the heavens appear.
Thou that consultest with bright mysteries
Tell me what this bright wanderer signifies?”
“Now there is born a valiant prince i’ the west,
That shall eclipse the kingdoms of the east.”
FUCK YEAH CHARLES IICharles II was King of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1660 to 1685. Also known as the Merry Monarch, he is infamous for his numerous mistresses and rowdy court- but there's a lot more to Charlie than debauchery and scandal. This blog is here to showcase every aspect of his life, with a generous dollop of humour thrown in.
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