The term 'ill-fated queen' refers to two historical figures: Anne BOLEYN and Mary Stuart. Anne BOLEYN was the second wife of King Henry VIII of England, and she was executed in 1536 after being accused of adultery and treason. Mary Stuart was Queen of Scotland from 1542 until her forced abdication in 1567. She was later executed for treason in 1587. Both queens had tragic ends to their reigns, making them fitting examples of an ill-fated queen.