Behind the Chronicles

I occasionally comment on royal stories in the British media, particularly those that concern the roles of second sons, or other more junior members of the royal family.

Historian and Author
I grew up in the picturesque town of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, where my fascination with Europe’s royal and aristocratic families began during a family trip to Vienna in the late 1980s. After completing my undergraduate degree at St. Andrews University in Scotland, I worked in publishing and heritage consultancy before pursuing a doctorate at the Sorbonne in Paris. My research focused on the fascinating lives of the counts of Provence and their intricate ties to the courts of Renaissance Europe.

I continue to write and lecture on topics related to early modern European history, with a particular focus on the roles of queens consort and the political influence of noblewomen. My work also explores the interplay between regional nobility and the shifting borders of Europe’s dynastic states. Currently, I teach European history at the University of Edinburgh and serve as the editor of Noble Realms, a journal dedicated to aristocratic studies.

When I’m not writing or teaching, I occasionally provide commentary for media outlets on royal affairs, particularly on topics such as succession, regency, and the enduring legacies of Europe’s aristocracy.