Henry VIII’s Illegitimate Daughter?

I'm kicking off a new series on Henry VIII, the second Tudor monarch who ruled from 1509 until his death in 1547. He’s a figure that fascinates and divides opinion, often seen as either a tyrant or a complex ruler who achieved much during his reign. 🚩👑

In this series, I’ll explore the lives of those rumoured to be Henry VIII's illegitimate children. While he had three legitimate children—Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Edward VI—and one acknowledged illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, there were whispers of other offspring. One such intriguing figure is Ethelreda Malte, whose life blends fact, conjecture, and Tudor intrigue. 🤫🔍

Join me as I unravel the mystery of Ethelreda Malte, also known as Etheldreda, Audrey or Esther. Born in the late 1520s or early 1530s, she was described as the "bastard daughter of John Malte, a tailor of the Great Wardrobe, by Joan Dyngley alias Dobson." Yet, there are compelling hints that she might have been Henry VIII's own child. 👶🔍

Could the king's generous grants to Ethelreda and John Malte suggest a deeper connection? What about her alleged close relationship with Queen Elizabeth I? And who was Ethelreda's mother, really? Dive into the enigma of Ethelreda Malte with me and discover the untold stories of the Tudor court. 📜👸

#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #EthelredaMalte #TudorMysteries #HistoryUncovered #IllegitimateChildren #TudorIntrigue #JoinTheDiscussion #Livestream

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Watch now to uncover the secrets of Henry VIII's rumoured illegitimate daughter, Ethelreda Malte!

[michelleg]

Just read that about Ethelreda that she had a daughter with her husband Harington and then died the same month that Queen Elizabeth I was crowned Queen. Also some interesting tidbits, Ethelreda's husband is the ancestor of the Earls of Sandwhich and actor Kit Harington.

[Midnightsstan]

It’s always seemed slapdash to me that Mary Boleyn’s children are automatically assumed to be Henry’s children by so many, despite the actual evidence not specifying how long the affair went on. It simply may have been a brief relationship that got exaggerated later to attack the Boleyn’s reputation. It’s disappointing to see the slut shaming towards Mary, with her portrayals in fiction often making promiscuity her main character trait, and ignoring that maybe she didn’t really have a choice in being Francis and Henry mistress.

[kathrynrae]

It would be just as well for her if she wasn't the King's daughter. She would be in and out of favour. The apple of his eye one minute, in danger of execution the next. Such stress!

[Chipoo]

Thank you. Seeing the immense importance Henry VIii placed on his appearance, as did all royalty and nobility, and how important clothing was to him especially in his less flattering years, I feel it is very plausible that he wanted to show his tailor great favour

[greybeardcanadian]

I could totally see Henry rewarding a tailor for concealing his ever growing body in stylish clothing!

[thehistory_student]

I've never heard of this mysterious illegitimate daughter so found this episode particularly interesting. Wouldn't it be fascinating to know the truth!? Looking forward to more episodes from the new Henry VIII series 💜

[lunachick]

I love watching you, and I have for years!

[eveywrens]

The possibility that Henry VIII had an illegitimate daughter not commonly mentioned is fascinating. I wonder what would have happened if Ethelreda had been a son?

[Shane-Flanagan]

Thanks for this Claire 😄
Fun to hear about little known Tudor people and stories.
Had not heard about Ethelreda, who stands out with an Anglo Saxon name. Makes a change from all the Marys, Margarets, Catherines, Annes and Elizabeths etc.
Had she been born a man, Henry may have acknowledged her had she really been his offspring. At least she benefited from from Henry's wealth in some way whatever the reason.
Easy to imagine Henry having bunk ups with a laundress or two especially during his pursuit of Anne. It was a long time for Henry to remain chaste, don't know if he could hold out that long.

[alancumming]

Many thanks Claire for this intriguing broadcast. There are so many mysteries surrounding Henry's reign, which makes life so much more interesting for those of us who are completely hooked on the Tudors. Looking forward to the forthcoming episodes.

[ccasey]

Maybe the answer is a bit as Claire says: Henry had occasional liasons whilst courting Anne. And so when Ethelreda’s mother became with child, maybe she was Henry’s, maybe not.

[christinestudley]

I wish there was a painting of her. Thanks Claire, maybe there’s more Tudor descendants than we know of.

[Originella]

I have heard of her, and, when the thumbnail said it wasn't Catherine Carey, I immediately assumed it was Ethelreda. I read a novel about her a few years back, Royal Inheritance by Kate Emerson, where she is presented as Audrey Malte.

[sjbloop]

I was really hoping there was a physical description of her. I think all his legitimate heirs look like each other even though they had different mothers. It's a little crazy that in my brain if she had red hair, it would have been enough confirmation. Like there is no one else in Tudor England with red hair.

I had heard before that he had a child by a laundress, but never knew their names. It actually raises him a little in my opinion that he provided for her regardless if she was his or not. I like that you named them.

[lucieramirez]

I have never heard of Ethel before your video. Thank you for such an interesting topic ...
By the way, you look fabulous! Your haircut is great, earrings too! But I commend you on your tattoos. I just can't do it. Bravo to you!😊🎉

[velvetindigonight]

Very interesting …… theres being generous but those sums are huge…..
Would be interesting to know the amounts of Henry’s other ‘gifts’ to other skilled suppliers?

[mmoretti]

A few moments searching reveals a few descendants from the same line of Etheldreda’s daughter Hester (married name) Stubbes. Georgina Frances English age 66 and Philippa Katharine English age 61.

[miathompson]

That is such an interesting video…… many thanks.

[tambracarswell]

Interesting. Are there any dna references that can be traced or did her line die out?

[harrytree]

Viewers will also be surprised to learn that King Edward 7th and Queen Alexandra had an illigitimate son.
The then Prince Bertie and Princess Alexandra, met in September 1861 by arrangement, with a view of marriage.
By December 1861, her pregnancy was obvious and Prince Albert furiously confronted his son, Bertie, passing shortly after.
The confrontation was hushed up by announcing the incidence was in connection with a dalliance between Bertie and an actress, to spare the dignity and moral standing of both the UK and Danish Royal Families.
Alexandra was sent to South Africa, where she met the intended foster parents and in June 1862, their son was born, unannounced, baptized with an assumed name and sadly, abandoned.
Alexandra returned home to become engaged to Bertie and eventually they married, thus legitimising their eldest son, whose descendants have irrefutable DNA evidence of their zero distance between them and the Royal Family relatives.
Zero distance DNA evidence.