The historical drama, The Serpent Queen (2022) tells the story of Catherine de Medici (1519-1589).

Born in Italy, Catherine is orphaned when young (some sources say within weeks of her birth). She is left with a grandmother who also soon died. From then until she is shipped off to France to get married at age 14, Catherine is in a convent.

According to the television series, and entirely plausible given what we know went on in convents, Catherine was treated like a servant and whipped mercilessly when 'disobedient.'

Significantly, the older Catherine is played by Samantha Morton who grew up in the UK state care system.