Napoleon Bonaparte is notorious for being a power-hungry, vertically-challenged French emperor who conquered, and then pissed off, much of Europe in the 19th century. But Napoleon wasn’t that short, wasn’t born in France, and actually wanted to be a writer. He was an upstart from Corsica who started out as a bullied outcast just looking for some respect. But he quickly learns that men like him aren’t just handed respect. They have to take it for themselves.Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part one, Christina rejected gender norms and was raised as a prince in order to prepare for the throne. But parting with tradition eventually meant parting with her crown. So Christina bids goodbye to Sweden and heads off to a new, exciting life in Rome. But life without a crown will turn out to be a lot tougher than she imagined. Eventually, she decides her only option is to find a new one – no matter the cost.Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christina of Sweden was a 17th century royal who rebelled against gender norms from the day she was born – when she was wrongly misgendered as a boy! Even after the air was cleared, Christina rejected the life of a classic femme royal by learning swordplay, riding horses, and having an affair with her lady-in-waiting. But when Christina comes up against the one duty she can’t escape – marrying and providing an heir – she risks her crown to stay true to herself.  Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Esther Kamatari, a Burundian princess and one of France’s first Black supermodels, shares her riveting journey from royalty to the Parisian runway. She reveals the challenges of escaping a tumultuous past and blending her heritage with a glamorous yet hollow new life. Esther discusses navigating racism in the fashion industry, her longing for Burundi, and her determination to empower local women. Her story is a powerful mix of resilience, identity struggles, and the pursuit of beauty amidst pain.

Jack Kennedy, the 35th U.S. President, shares insights alongside his wife, Jacqueline, a stylish cultural icon. They discuss Jackie's poignant decision to keep her blood-stained outfit after his assassination, symbolizing strength amidst grief. The couple reflects on the tensions during a crucial birthday gala and their evolving love despite public scrutiny. Jackie reveals her journey through profound loss, her commitment to honoring JFK's legacy, and her path toward independence and accomplishment in a world that changed overnight.

Jackie, a devoted wife facing the pressures of her political marriage, discusses her struggles with Jack, a chronically ill politician whose lifestyle choices fracture their relationship. They explore the emotional tension during their honeymoon, Jack's relentless pursuit of opportunities while juggling infidelities, and the devastating grief following the loss of their child. Jackie’s journey of building a family alongside her husband’s political ambitions reveals her resilience as they navigate the turbulent waters of love, loss, and the impending demands of the White House.

John F. Kennedy, a pivotal leader during the Cold War, and Jackie Onassis, an iconic First Lady known for her grace, delve into their captivating love story. They explore Jackie’s rebellious spirit amidst societal expectations and her struggles to navigate her identity. JFK shares his journey from a carefree bachelor to a committed husband, influenced by their first dinner encounter. The pressures of politics and family dynamics complicate their relationship, leading Jackie to face her feelings about love and fidelity before embracing her future as a Kennedy.

In part one, Katherine worked hard to be the perfect wife for her first two husbands. She never thought husband #3 would be the King. But Katherine thrives as Henry’s sixth wife and starts using her platform as queen to promote her passion for religious reform. She thought she had Henry’s full support – until she spots an arrest warrant with her name on it, signed by the King himself.Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Katherine Parr was Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife and is known for being the one who survived. But she almost didn’t survive marriage to Henry, and for a way different reason than any of his other wives. Katherine was forced to give up her dream of marrying for love when Henry chose her as his next wife. She decides to turn lemons into lemonade and make the most of her new-found power and status as queen. But ambition is the fastest way to make enemies at court – and Katherine will learn the hard way just how far power-hungry courtiers will go to bring her down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All her life, Catherine Howard had to fight for agency in a world of men who tried to control her. When she becomes Queen number five, she’s given her first dose of power – and she’s finally able to make some of her own choices…including choosing a lover she’s actually into. But there’s no such thing as privacy in Tudor England. And when you’re sneaking around on Henry VIII, you’re risking more than just true love. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.