The Queen of Spain's Beard

"The Queen of Spain's Beard" was the fourth episode of the first series of the BBC sitcom Blackadder. In 1492, Richard IV's court is in disarray. In order to secure Spain's allegiance in a war with France by marrying Harry to the Spanish Infanta. Said plan, however, could not work, as Harry had already been concurrently engaged to several other noblewomen. Richard then reluctantly chooses Edmund to marry the Infanta. Edmund, meanwhile, swears off... more

"The Queen of Spain's Beard" was the fourth episode of the first series of the BBC sitcom Blackadder. In 1492, Richard IV's court is in disarray. In order to secure Spain's allegiance in a war with France by marrying Harry to the Spanish Infanta. Said plan, however, could not work, as Harry had already been concurrently engaged to several other noblewomen. Richard then reluctantly chooses Edmund to marry the Infanta. Edmund, meanwhile, swears off women after being violently rejected by a woman who thought he was Harry. When he hears that he is to be married to the Infanta, however, he is excited by the prospect of a beautiful princess — only to find that the Infanta (Miriam Margoyles) is overweight and homely. He is repulsed by her, but she falls instantly in love with him. Richard sets the wedding for the following day. Baldrick hatches a plan: Edmund should pretend to "prefer the intimate company of men". Edmund then minces to court dressed in flamboyant clothes and wearing makeup.... less