The Cinderella Princess future Queen Anne Stuart 1702-1714
I have written three novels set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart, 1702 – 1714, during which the Duke of Marlborough won the War of Spanish Succession, and the Act of Union with Scotland was signed. I hope you will enjoy Part Two of my introduction to her. The Cinderella Princess Part Two Princess Anne’s mother died. Her father, James, Duke of York, had taken the unpopular decision to become a Roman Catholic. Her uncle, the childless King Charles II, knew politics demanded his heirs, Anne and her elder sister, Mary, be raised in the Protestant faith. He appointed Lady Frances Villiers, a committed Anglican, as their governess and leased Richmond Palace to Frances and her husband. The princesses benefited from country air and were privileged to live by the Thames in the days when due to bad roads the river was of great importance. Anne’s indulgent father visited his daughters regularly, showered them with gifts and often stayed for s...