Estelle Paranque

Historian Estelle Paranque joins comedian Shaparak Khorsandi to discuss the fascinating life of Catherine de’ Medici, the powerful queen of France. Orphaned and raised by a pope, Catherine's tumultuous marriage and political maneuvers shaped French history. The chilling connection between her and Nostradamus reveals prophecies impacting her reign. They explore her misunderstood legacy amid the chaos of the French Wars of Religion, highlighting her sacrifices and influence on Europe through strategic marriages.

Join Dr. Estelle Paranque, an expert on 16th-century royal history, and comedian Shaparak Khorsandi as they unravel the life of Catherine de' Medici, the 'Serpent Queen' of France. They explore her dramatic rise from an orphaned child to a powerful queen mother amidst love affairs and religious turmoil. Discover her complex relationships, including her ties with Diane de Poitiers, and hear about her strategic political maneuvers during the French Wars of Religion. The episode balances insightful history with humor, revealing Catherine's misunderstood legacy.

In this enlightening discussion, historian Estelle Paranque, a descendant of the Habsburgs and Associate Professor at Northeastern University London, takes us deep into the world of the infamous royal family. She reveals the shocking extent of their incestuous practices, exploring the genetic consequences faced by figures like Charles II of Spain. Paranque dives into how these marriages affected their power, health, and public perception, comparing their legacy to modern shows like 'Game of Thrones' and unpacking the scandals that came with their unusual family dynamics.