Literary Lunch Event

A new book from celebrated historian Kate Williams shatters the myths that have been built around women from Cleopatra to Grace Kelly.

In Regina she delves deep into the worlds of queens, empresses, princesses, mistresses and ladies-in-waiting, uncovering how their ambitions were shaped, celebrated and often thwarted. Most of their legacies have been almost entirely constructed by the words and images of men.

This is an unmissable history that reveals the women’s trials and triumphs as they navigate political intrigue, rivalries and personal sacrifices, and unlocks why we think about women, politics and power the way we do.

Kate is an award-winning author, historian and broadcaster who has won Celebrity Pointless, and has also appeared on The Great British Bake Off.

“Terrific . . . absolutely compelling.”

Antonia Fraser

“A tour de force book which will make you rethink everything you know about gender and power.”

Helen Carr

Tickets can be purchased to just the talk or the talk and the Literary Lunch.
Options are available at the check-out.

Our popular Literary Lunch gives you a chance to meet Kate Williams in advance of the talk – in the relaxed surroundings of the Dining Hall at Cedars House. Kate will join guests for lunch at 12.30pm before the short walk across to Cedars Hall where the talk will begin at 2pm.
Lunches must be ordered by Friday 9 October 2026. Tickets for the Literary Lunch are £12.50 each.

Menu:
Stilton and broccoli soup followed by mixed Eton Mess with raspberry coulis.

Please contact the box office on 01749 834483 if you have any special dietary requirements.