Mathilde Kschessinska was an iconic prima ballerina of the Russian Imperial Ballet.
She was also the scandal of St. Petersburg. Let's spill the tea.
Born into a connected dance family, Little K first met the tsarevich (the future Nicholas II of Russia) when she was 18 and oh boy she was smitten kitten. The relationship ended before she would have liked when he married the future empress, Alexandra Feodrovna.  But don't feel too bad for her. Mathilde wasn't lonely long.
In her life she saw Russia go through a tumultuous time and witnessed first hand the craziness that was the Russian Revolution in 1917. She was one of the lucky ones that got out, but what was life like after leaving her home?
Some sources:

Matihilde's memoir online

Unofficial royalty

More on Mathilde's dad Felix 


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Mathilde Kschessinska

Tune in to hear Katy and Nathan pair cocktails with amazing women of history. Cheers!

Comedy

History

Society & Culture

It's mistress week and today we are talking rags to riches (kind of) in this Cinderalla story (that also includes like... so much adultery). The Katherine Swynford story. Katherine Swynford is often considered the mother of the Tudor dynasty and the ancestress of another Queens Podcast alumni, Margaret Beaufort. We think you're going to love episode regardless of if you're  listening to it for the first or fifth time! 
Nathan pairs this episode with a spicy margarity while Katy pairs it with a virgin-cocktail as she wraps up dry January.
Some useful sources: 

History of a medieval mistress

https://historytheinterestingbits.com/tag/katherine-swynford/

https://historytheinterestingbits.com/2015/08/08/blanche-duchess-of-lancaster/

https://rebeccastarrbrown.com/2018/04/08/the-most-successful-mistress-katherine-swynford-duchess-of-lancaster/


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Rerun: Katherine Swynford for Mistress week

We are doing a mini-mistresses week and first up is the first Royal Mistress we ever covered.
Now, Diane wasn't just any royal mistress, she was the royal mistress. From her iconic fountain of youth (was it really just the water, Diane?), to her savvy political maneuvers that would make Machiavelli take notes, we're uncovering the life of the woman who became the envy and idol of France..
So grab your crown, pour yourself a glass of your finest wine, and join us as we explore the life of Diane de Poitiers, the woman who showed us that sometimes, the most powerful place in the land is right at the heart of the king.
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Queens podcast is part of Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast.Want more Queens? Head to our Patreon, check out our merch store and follow us on Instagram!
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Rerun: Diane de Poitiers for Mistress Week

Princess Nest aka Nest ferch Rhys came from a very long line of Welsh warriors and kings. However, in her lifetime things took a big shift.
There is more that we DON'T know about her life, but what we know for certain is that she is one of the only women from medieval Wales to be more than a passing footnote in history. In fact, it's said that her beauty caused a civil war.
Okay, no. Men started the civil war, but whatever. That's not as poetic. But does she deserve the title of the Welsh Helen of Troy? You let us know what you think.
Follow our Welsh consultant, Claire on Instagram @clairelmiles
Time stamps:
02:17 No Facts, Just Vibes: The Story of Princess Ness
04:03 Cocktail Time: Crafting a Princess Nest Inspired Drink
05:39 The Early Life of Princess Nest in 11th Century Wales
13:52 Nest's Turbulent Youth: From Welsh Princess to Norman Hostage
24:25 Nest's Return to Wales: Marriage and New Beginnings
27:16 Unraveling the Mystery of Nest's Return
27:55 Exploring the Dynamics of Nest's Marriage
28:55 The Infamous Welsh Helen of Troy
31:21 TRIGGER WARNING The Dramatic Kidnapping and Its Aftermath
36:22 Speculations on Nest's Feelings and Fate
48:11 Nest's Legacy and Historical Impact
Sources:

Wikipedia (because we are human) 

Historic UK

Princess Nest by Kari Maund

Historical Grab bag

John Flemming, MA 


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Princess Nest: The Welsh Helen of Troy

When we last left Kosem Sultan, she was already super powerful, but with the death of her eldest son, Murad IV, she's now about to start a life of a new kind of power under her unwell son, Ibrahim. Ibrahim, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire has gone down in history as Ibrahim the Mad, soooo.....
Kosem, a woman who redefined 'boss lady' in the Ottoman Empire, found herself navigating through a maze of challenges that would make anyone's head spin. So, grab your cocktails and join us as we unpack the juicy details of how Kosem Sultan managed to keep her head (for a while) against all odds.
Time stamps:
00:53 Introducing Queens Podcast and Kosem Sultan's Story
02:28 The Turbulent Reign of Ibrahim and Kosem's Struggles
10:43 Kosem's Power Moves and the Fall of Mustafa Pasha
30:28 The Downfall of Ibrahim and the Rise of a Child Sultan
47:15 The Rivalry Between Kosem and Turan Escalates
51:42 The Tragic End of Kosem Sultan
56:40 Aftermath and Legacy of Kosem Sultan
01:00:01 A Tribute to Kosem Sultan

Team Queens
https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/portrait/mighty-sovereigns-of-ottoman-throne-sultan-ahmed-i
History Tea Time
Mighty sovereigns of Ottoman throne: Sultan Ahmed I 
Queens Podcast Roxelena episode 
Queens podcast is part of Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast.Want more Queens? Head to our Patreon, check out our merch store and follow us on Instagram!
Our awesome new intro music is thanks to @1touchproduction !
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Kosem Sultan part 2

Exploring the Early Life of Kösem Sultan: The Rise of a Legendary Figure
Kösem Sultan's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history is truly remarkable. Born in humble surroundings, she navigated the complex world of the Ottoman court with grace and determination, ultimately leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire us today. Join us as we delve into the captivating early life of this extraordinary queen.
Timestamps: 
03:03 Kosem Sultan: From Obscurity to the Ottoman Empire
06:41 Life in the Harem: Education, Religion, and Politics
16:27 Kosem's Rise: Love, Power, and Strategy
23:40 A Sudden Widowhood: Kosem's New Challenges Ahead
25:38 The Unwilling Sultan: Mustafa's Reign and Challenges
27:06 Kosem's Political Maneuvering and the Coup
27:56 Exile and Return: Kosem's Struggle for Power
37:29 Kosem's Return to Power: The Valid Sultan Era
46:10 The Final Years: Legacy and Uncertainty

Some sources:
Team Queens
https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/portrait/mighty-sovereigns-of-ottoman-throne-sultan-ahmed-i
History Tea Time
Mighty sovereigns of Ottoman throne: Sultan Ahmed I 
Queens Podcast Roxelena episode 
Queens podcast is part of Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast.Want more Queens? Head to our Patreon, check out our merch store and follow us on Instagram!
Our awesome new intro music is thanks to @1touchproduction !
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mathilde Kschessinska

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