The story of monarchy in Europe is a long and extremely bloody one, fraught with appalling violence, scandal and controversy. The position of monarch was once one of absolute power granted by God. Royalty was considered closer todivinity than to the masses. Today this notion is generally frowned upon, and the royal families of Europe spend all their time trying to convey a sense that their members are 'just like us'. Compare the lives of Charles I of Spain, Henry VIII and Queen Victoria and learn about Elizabeth I's role in defending England against the Spanish Armada. Discover the truth about King George III, was he truly mad or was he being poisoned? How did Marie Antoinette, a 14-year-old from Vienna become the Queen of France? This book answers all these questions and many more as it charts the major events in the monarchy of Europe from the very beginnings to the present day.Contents:Charlemagne to Medieval KingdomsRenaissance MonarchsRise of EmpireRebellion and RevolutionThe Struggle to Survive