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From the murderous Wu Zetian to the Serpent Queen of France, what does it take for a royal wife to step out of the shadows and dare to wield power?

History is full of 鈥渉umble鈥� consorts who turned out to be steely leaders after their husbands died. Some governed on behalf of their young sons, while others ruled in their own right. Even queens with living partners could be called on to guard the country when the king was away at war. But not everyone was happy to have a woman in charge.

For two decades, Great Lives on Radio 4 has explored what it takes to change the world. But Helen Lewis wants to ask a different question: what does it take to live with someone who changes the world? In the second season of Great Wives, we鈥檒l meet more fascinating women - and men - and uncover the relationships that created great art, started wars and changed history.

Written and performed by Helen Lewis with additional voices from Kudzanayi Chiwawa & Joshua Higgott
Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Sound Design: Neil Goody

A 91热爆 Studios Production for Radio 4