While this might sound like an unusual coincidence, the truth is that history often repeats itself.
Unhappy royal marriages were no less common in Monteverdi’s time than Diana’s.
And, the years in-between have held plenty of horror stories of their own.
In that sense, Monteverdi’s portrayal of Ottavia is timeless.
Royal wives throughout history have been restrained by the ornamental nature of their roles.
Historically speaking, royal consorts were selected not based on true love, but on political necessity.
For this reason, royal wives have frequently been selected for their perceived levels of purity.
This dynamic was evident when King Charles III first fell for Camilla, Queen Consort, in the 1970s.
Because Camilla had a past, she was considered unsuitable for the throne.
This advice, perhaps, inspired Charles to propose to the young, innocent-seeming Princess Diana instead.
Other young princes have faced similar predicaments upon selecting their brides.
Spain’s King Felipe also faced criticism for marrying Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano a divorcee in 2003.
Although this tradition dates back centuries, it remains fairly relevant in the modern day.
But most importantly, produce babies P.D.Q.
(pretty da**ed quick).
you’re gonna wanna produce an heir and also a spare.
Luckily, Catherine did not have to wait long to welcome her first-born child.
Prince George was born in 2013 just two years after she and William tied the knot.
However, not all royal brides have experienced such timely pregnancies.
It’s such a little country.
Of course I’m going to continue with my work."
It was decided that Grace would retire from acting and that her movies would be banned from the principality.
Since then, many more royal wives have been pushed out of the workforce.
When royal wives walk away from their careers, they are also expected to take on a new role.
Because of this, the royal wives of our era have struggled with this aspect of palace life.
“I just thought it was a joke,” she said (viaPeople).
Of course, protocol is not just about manners.
It also reaches other aspects of life such as when it’s appropriate to travel.
It was difficult for her to adapt and give up her freedoms."
The reason is that, for many royal wives, dressing well is one of their unspoken duties.
“Her clothing almost began to reflect what people saw in her character.
A kind of restraint.
She explained, “I was used to living in a swimsuit and totally clueless about fashion.
Her outfit, a borrowed green dress, inspired mockery among the Monegasque elites.
Throughout history, many queens and princesses have suffered their husbands' infidelity.
Few had the chance to do anything about it.
Apparently, the princess was so upset that she considered calling off the wedding.
She recalled, “I said, ‘I can’t marry him.
I can’t do this.”
Unfortunately, however, Diana was discouraged from breaking off the engagement due to Charles’ princely position.
Her sisters apparently told her, “Bad luck, Dutch.
Your face is on the tea towel, so you’re too late to chicken out.”
Upon discovering the news, Paola was said to have been desperate for a divorce.
Princess Grace of Monacomay have also felt forced to remain married to maintain access to her three kids.
Such was the law of the land, as it had been for centuries.”
In Britain, these sorts of proceedings have a history of putting the monarchy at risk.
Thanks to a vast amount of press criticism, many highly-ranked women have struggled to protect their public image.
Over the years, many royal brides have watched their ex-boyfriends and lovers humiliate them on the public stage.
Although the tome was considered a work of fiction, it seemed autobiographical in nature.
In many cases, this means prioritizing the king and his wishes over all else.
Although this philosophy might sound a bit out-of-date, many royal wives still live by it.
