A Powerful Medieval Queen Returns-As an A.I. Avatar You Can Chat With

"Although Eleanor's marriage to Edward in 1253 was political in nature (it settled a dispute over Gascony), the two were besotted and virtually inseparable. Over the course of a 30-year marriage she gave birth to 16 children (only six survived) and became Edward's confidant, accompanying him on crusade in the early 1270s."

"At home, Eleanor was an astute, if ruthless, businesswoman acquiring holdings and estates across the country. Again, we might ask A.I. Eleanor to explain her abuse of usury. Leeds Castle (which she acquired at a steep royal discount) is held up as Eleanor's leading architectural achievement."

"Meeting the digital ruler (which Leeds Castle calls "An Audience with a Queen") arrives at the end of "Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile," an exhibition that traces her life story and unpacks her imprint on English society."

Leeds Castle has created an interactive A.I. avatar of Eleanor of Castile, the influential 13th-century queen, developed in collaboration with SKC Studios. The digital avatar, titled "An Audience with a Queen," responds to visitor questions and demonstrates awareness of its surroundings. This technological innovation accompanies the exhibition "Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile," which chronicles her life story and impact on English society. Eleanor married Edward I in 1253 in a politically motivated union that settled disputes over Gascony, though the couple became deeply devoted. During their 30-year marriage, she bore 16 children and served as Edward's confidant, accompanying him on crusade. Eleanor was also a shrewd businesswoman who acquired estates across England, including Leeds Castle in 1278, which she transformed into her architectural achievement.

Read at Artnet News