Charles II

As a powerful king who embraced a permissive society, Charles II shaped the culture of Restoration England, but who and what shaped Charles?

Though his mother Henrietta Maria labelled him 'ugly', he was adored as a child, a sweet-tempered Prince of Wales. Some people seemed too fond of his playful instincts, and his education suffered while sports and royal ceremonies excited him. Steps were taken to 'unboy' him quickly so he could handle his future role, the ruling of three kingdoms, but English civil war brought too much too soon.

Aged 12, Charles faced charging Roundhead cavalry at Edgehill, and in his teens, he led Cavalier efforts in the West Country and Jersey before taking naval command at sea. Courageous, intelligent and sociable, he appeared a fine king-to-be. However, with regicide befalling his father, revolution then saw the monarchy abolished. In desperation after this, Charles abandoned episcopacy, infiltrated European politics and dealt in conspiracy, risking all for Stuart restoration. With his Scottish coronation behind him, execution for invasion threatened, Oliver Cromwell having trounced him in battle at Worcester, and continued exile pushed the increasingly promiscuous Charles around Catholic, Presbyterian and republican nations until an invitation came from Parliament.

This book examines Charles as a prince and pauper from his birth in 1630 to his thirtieth birthday - Restoration Day. It studies the feminine influences on his development, considers his early sex life, and addresses rumours regarding the succession. Giving a clearer picture of young Charles, it shows the making of the Merry Monarch.