When his new Catholic wife, Mary Beatrice of Modena, gave birth to a healthy baby boy (who would presumably be raised Catholic, meaning that the next King of England would *also* be Catholic), it served as the catalyst for Parliament to invite his oldest daughter to rule in his stead. His choice of religion, his lack of political accumen or ability to compromise, and his complete lack of personal charm made him an unpopular king. Unfortunately, James II had publicly converted to Catholicism during a time that England was so viciously anti-Catholic (just as the Catholic countries were viciously anti-Protestant) that Catholics were banned from serving in the military or holding office, and were still attacked in the streets. Charles II died without legitimate issue, so his younger brother James II inherited. His eldest son, Charles II, was invited back to rule after living in exile. Quick history run down: Charles I was executed by his people. The history of the last three Stuarts to rule England: James II, Mary (of William&Mary) and Anne. Prompted by religious bigotry and the emotion that beset any family relationships, this palace coup changed the face of the monarchy, and signaled the end of a dynasty.

Anne did nothing to deserve her father's forgiveness, declaring her brother an outlaw with a price on his head.Īcclaimed historian Maureen Waller recreated the late Stuart era in a compelling narrative that highlights the influence of three women in one of the most momentous events in English history. The sisters quarreled and were still not speaking to each other when Mary died tragically young. Even as the crown descended on her head, Mary knew she had incurred a father's curse.

Jealous and resentful of her hated stepmother, Anne had written a series of malicious letters to her sister Mary in Holland, implying that the Queen's pregnancy was a hoax, a Catholic plot to deny Mary her rightful inheritance.īetrayed by those he trusted, distraught at Anne's defection, James fled the kingdom. But it was the women, Queen Mary Beatrice and her two stepdaughters, Mary and Anne, who played a key role in this drama. Seven prominent men sent an invitation to William of Orange-James' nephew and son-in-law-to intervene in English affairs. They are the 'ungrateful daughters' who usurped their father's crown and stole their brother's birthright.

James II's drive towards Catholicism had alienated the nation and his two staunchly Protestant daughters by his first marriage, Mary and Anne. In 1688, the birth of a Prince of Wales ignited a family quarrel and a revolution.

Ungrateful Daughters by Maureen Waller