Early Ad Free: Charlotte of Belgium 2
We’re jumping back in where we left off in this tale of European overreach—and the princess who got caught in the crosshairs: Charlotte of Belgium, aka Carlota of Mexico.
Last time, Charlotte was sad, lonely, and stuck in a marriage with a man who treated “neglect” like a hobby. Then Napoleon III of France comes knocking with a shiny new “purpose”: Mexico.
Did the Mexican people want Charlotte and Maximilian as their emperor and empress? Umm… according to the French: absolutely yes. In reality: it’s complicated, staged, and about to get very ugly.
Time stamps:
00:00 Colorful Language Warning + Guest Intro (History Tea Time)
02:05 Previously On: Maximilian Sucks + Mexico “Opportunity”
04:29 The Sales Pitch: Who Actually Wanted a European Emperor?
07:15 Max Melts Down, Charlotte Doubles Down
11:20 Veracruz: Yellow Fever + A Very Lukewarm Welcome
14:06 Mexico City Arrives… But the Illusion Is Cracking
19:10 Uh… Did We Just Kidnap Two Kids? And other bad ideas.
27:05 Charlotte’s Hail Mary: Back to Europe to Beg Napoleon III
32:22 The Pope Plan + Charlotte’s Spiral Begins
36:03 Vatican Breakdown: Poison Panic + Dinner with the Pope
45:12 “Madness” Diagnosed: Victorian Alienists + Persecution Fixations
47:59 Meanwhile in Mexico: Max’s Capture and Execution
50:52 Aftermath: 60 Years in Belgium + Theories + Farewell
54:27 Juana of Castile Parallels (Brief Detour)
55:00 Theories and Charlotte's death
Some sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJfGwt4lMRs&t=633s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_of_Belgium
https://www.thoughtco.com/empress-carlota-of-mexico-biography-3530285
Wanna learn about Juana?: https://queenshistorypodcast.com/juana-of-castile-part-1/
Comments (5)
I saw there’s an HBO show planned called Carlota - when it comes out, you guys should do a review!
This one was really sad but really interesting. I have a suggestion for a queen who is more messy and scandalous but of course she also had some sad moments, Caroline of Brunswick. I just finished reading Anne Foster's new book Rebel of the Regency and I'd love to hear your take on her 😊
There is a connection too, Caroline's daughter was the first wife of Charlotte's dad
it’s the best day when y’all post 😍
Dare I suggest episodes on Margarita Maza, the wife of Benito Juárez? And Carmela Romero Rubio, the wife of Porfirio Díaz? Very much exemplary in terms of soft power behind the scenes of Mexican history!