Regina with Kate Williams

From Cleopatra to Grace Kelly, an epic new history of royal women that shatters the myths we have built around them

To mark the release of her eagerly anticipated new book, REGINA, celebrated historian Kate Williams returns to Storyhouse for an enthralling historical journey into the world of queens, empresses, princesses, mistresses and ladies-in-waiting. Stories about royal women form some of our most foundational myths about femininity, and yet their legacies have been almost entirely constructed by the words and images of men.

From the ancient civilisations of Egypt and Mesopotamia to the opulent courts of the pre-medieval world, REGINA delves deep into the lives of these remarkable women, uncovering both their trials and triumphs as they navigate political intrigue, family rivalries and personal sacrifices.  

This is part a new series of events co-produced between Storyhouse and HistFest.  

About Kate Williams 

Kate Williams is a royal expert, TV historian and professor of public engagement with history at the University of Reading. She is the author of several acclaimed historical biographies, including England’s Mistress (‘wonderful‘, Washington Post), Becoming Queen (‘outstanding‘, Spectator), Young Elizabeth (‘fascinating‘, Telegraph), Josephine (‘a sparkling account,’ The Daily Mail), Rival Queens (‘Scintillating, provocative’, Telegraph). Her latest book, The Royal Palaces: Secrets and Scandal is out now. 

About HistFest   

HistFest is a dynamic history events company that produces innovative digital and live content to global audiences – from festivals, lectures, film screenings and courses, to short films, podcasts and live performances.