Henry VIII Hooked on Women: Historian

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»

Republicans find lavish celebrations fly in face of austerity elsewhere

(NEWSER) - Not everyone in Britain is thrilled beyond words about Queen Elizabeth's big diamond jubilee on Saturday: Somewhere between 22% and 50% of Britons are estimated to be anti-monarchist, and with a tough austerity program rocking Britain's economy, many anti-austerity protesters are teaming up with republicans to demonstrate against the flashy (and costly) celebrations of Britain's second-longest serving monarch ever, reports the Guardian . Yesterday, 400 people gathered for an "alternative jubilee street party" outside the deputy prime minister's home, one of 11 protests held around the country to demonstrate against the government's austerity program. More»

(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»