Today in 1660, Anne Hyde, a commoner, married James Duke of York, brother to King Charles II. The wedding took place around midnight at her father’s house on the Strand, Anne was already heavily pregnant and would give birth just two months after the private ceremony. Anne and James met during their exile in The Netherlands, Anne was maid of honour to James’ sister, Mary of Orange. She was attractive and stylish and had several admirers whom she dismissed when she met James. The wedding was opposed by James’ mother and Anne’s own father, who was terrified of accusations of rampant ambition in marrying his daughter to royalty. But Anne had the support of her brother-in-law, the king, who thought that her strong character would do James good. He even laughed off an offer from Anne’s own father for her to be sent to the Tower to be executed. Once married, the duchess was seen as both haughty and intelligent, and she was not popular at court. Samuel Pepy...