TL;DR
- BBC’s ‘Queen James’ explores King James VI and I’s sexuality.
- Focuses on his relationships with male courtiers, especially Robert Carr.
- Airing on June 18, just in time for Pride Month.
- Historians weigh in on the nature of these relationships.
- The documentary promises to reveal scandalous historical secrets.
Hold onto your crowns, darlings, because the BBC is about to drop some royal tea! The new documentary titled Queen James is set to explore the tantalizing question: was King James VI of Scotland and I of England gay? Premiering on June 18 at 9 PM on BBC Two and iPlayer, this hour-long special is perfectly timed for Pride Month, and it promises to be as juicy as a ripe peach!
Presented by historian and author Gareth Russell, Queen James will dive deep into the monarch’s passionate same-sex relationships, particularly focusing on his favorite courtier, Robert Carr. Yes, you heard that right! The documentary aims to uncover the intense connections James formed with his male courtiers, and let’s just say, the scandalous details are sure to raise some eyebrows.
Actor James McArdle, known for his role in Four Mothers, will read excerpts from King James’s own letters, writings, and speeches, giving us a glimpse into the mind of this enigmatic ruler. And if that’s not enough to get you excited, the documentary will feature insights from a lineup of historians and academics, including Leanda De Lisle and Dr. Steven Veerapen, who will help us navigate the murky waters of royal relationships.
So, who exactly was King James VI and I? He ruled Scotland as James VI from 1567 and took the English throne as James I in 1603 after the death of Elizabeth I. Married to Anne of Denmark and fathering seven children, he still found himself at the center of rumors regarding his sexuality. Historians have noted that James favored male courtiers, especially in his bedchamber, where only a select few were allowed. Sounds a bit scandalous, doesn’t it?
Historian Joe Ellis weighed in on the subject, noting, “Sexual acts between men were reasonably common at the time. It was very much seen as a physical act, as opposed to a kind of partnership in the sense that we see it now.” This perspective is crucial as it helps us understand the context of James’s relationships, which may have been far more than mere friendships.
The documentary will highlight the relationship between James and Carr, which reached a fever pitch in 1607 when Carr suffered a severe injury. James reportedly visited him daily in the hospital, which raises questions about the true nature of their bond. After all, who doesn’t want to be doted on by a king?
But wait, there’s more! Carr’s later involvement in a murder trial threatened to expose the king’s closely guarded secrets, and you can bet that Queen James will explore these scandalous events in detail. Will the documentary confirm the rumors of King James’s sexuality, or will it leave us with more questions than answers?
Mark your calendars, queens and kings, because Queen James is set to air on June 12 on BBC One Northern Ireland and again on June 18 on BBC Two. This is one royal affair you won’t want to miss!