As Queen, Elizabeth Retained Her Own Minstrels Quite Separate From Those Of Henry VIIand Rewarded Them

As queen, Elizabeth retained her own minstrels quite separate from those of Henry VII—and rewarded them generously. Her own children played the lute, vir- ginal, clavichord, and organ, while she herself played the clavichord (and perhaps other instruments). Her son Henry VIII became renowned for his singing, dancing, and composing.

Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen in House of The Dragon

"Princess Rhaenys made no attempt to flee. With a glad cry and a crack of her whip, she turned Meleys toward the foe. Against Vhagar alone she might have had some chance, but against Vhagar and Sunfyre together, doom was certain. The dragons met violently a thousand feet above the field of battle, as balls of fire burst and blossomed, so bright that men swore later that the sky was full of suns. The crimson jaws of Meleys closed round Sunfyre’s golden neck for a moment, till Vhagar fell upon them from above. All three beasts went spinning toward the ground. They struck the ground so hard that stones fell from the battlements of Rook’s Rest half a league away.

Those closest to the dragons did not live to tell the tale. Those farther off could not see for the flame and smoke. It was hours before the fires guttered out. But from those ashes, only Vhagar rose unharmed. Meleys was dead, broken by the fall and ripped to pieces upon the ground. And Sunfyre, that splendid golden beast, had one wing half torn from his body, whilst his royal rider had suffered broken ribs, a broken hip, and burns that covered half his body. His left arm was the worst. The dragonflame had burned so hot that the king’s armor had melted into his flesh.

A body believed to be Rhaenys Targaryen was later found beside the carcass of her dragon, but it was so blackened that no one could be sure it was her. Beloved daughter of Lady Jocelyn Baratheon and Prince Aemon Targaryen, faithful wife to Lord Corlys Velaryon, mother and grandmother, the Queen Who Never Was lived fearlessly, and died amidst blood and fire. She was fifty-five years old."

Jude Law as King Henry VIII singing 'Pastime With Good Company" in Firebrand (2023)

"For my pastance Hunt, sing, and dance My heart is set! All goodly sport For my comfort Who shall me let?"

Sunfyre and Aegon House of the Dragon 2.04 - “The Red Dragon and the Gold.”

medieval women week (day one)

favourite queen or queen-adjacent woman: elizabeth of york (1466-1503)

Elizabeth was Queen of England from her marriage to King Henry VII on January 1486 until her death in February 1503. Born at the palace of Westminster on February 11 1466, She was the eldest child of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. A contemporary described her as very handsome, of great ability and beloved for her charity and humanity. Her motto in which she adopted, "Humble and Reverence" was a great reflection of her faith and the good nature she had presented throughout her years of queenship.