Henry VIII Hooked on Women: Historian

(NEWSER) - Michelle Obama’s hands-on encounter with Queen Elizabeth yesterday was not a breach of protocol, Buckingham Palace assures CNN. The two shared a surprising half-embrace, virtually unheard of from Her Highness. “It was a mutual and spontaneous display of affection and appreciation,” the Royal Press Office said. Besides, the reception where the PDA occurred was “an informal occasion.” More»

Delivered ethnic slurs with 'tiara-strength twinkle,' says BBC author

(NEWSER) - Britain's Queen Mother was a "ghastly old bigot" who once referred to some of England's closest EU allies using ethnic slurs that left a BBC newscaster appalled. "The words were delivered with the eyes on maximum tiara-strength twinkle, but I froze," said Edward Stourton, who revealed the incident in his new book, It's a PC World. "The nation's favorite grandmother was a ghastly old bigot. What she said was nasty and ugly." More»

Historians balk at steamy soap, but fans aren't deterred

(NEWSER) - In the battle of fact versus flair, it’s pretty obvious which side “The Tudors” comes down on. Showtime’s steamy period soap opera, which premiers its second season tonight, trades a chubby, tight-wearing Henry VIII for slim, sexy Jonathan Rhys Meyers. “It’s sloppy filmmaking,” one historian tells ABC News. “Not one female costume in there is correct for the period. It’s so off the mark it’s laughable.” More»

Praises fellow soldiers, wants to return 'very, very soon'

(NEWSER) - In a revealing interview with the British press, Prince Harry spoke yesterday of his stint in Afghanistan as one of the happiest times of his life, and said he "generally" doesn't "like England that much." The third-in-line to the British throne insisted he's not a hero, and talked emotionally of two wounded soldiers who flew home with him. "Those are the heroes, guys who had been blown up by a mine serving their country. It is a bit of a choke in your throat," he said. More»

Historical soap opera adds spice to the Tudor court

(NEWSER) - The Other Boleyn Girl is anything but a dry history lesson about the 16th century, critics say—don't take it too seriously, and you'll be all right. It "probably shouldn't be the way in which high-school kids learn about Henry VIII and his court, but it's a fun movie," writes Bill Goodykoonts in the Arizona Republic. Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson star as Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary. More»