If you watch the Game of Thrones, you notice the plot lines and you may wonder where do the writers get their information to write? One place is likely The Children of Henry VIII written by Alison Weir, published by Ballantine Book, London, UK, 1996. The story starts with Henry VIII is a catholic, marries a women whose brother sits on the Spanish crown and is Pope. Henry wants a boy to have his family rule England, he tries but a girl is born – Mary. They try again a few miscarries and no more children. What is Henry to do? try again with another lady but who will give them permission? The sister’s brother – no. Henry breaks away from the church and tries with another lady and Elizabeth is born. He continues to try but no male and the divorce goes through. On his 4th wife a son is born and the dynasty can continue. Henry dies 10 years later and then the fun starts.

The protestants are in power and the Catholics want it back, the uncle assumes responsibility as the boy is only 10 years old. The uncle who is protestant plays off the negatives of being Catholic while he robs the treasury and takes former Catholic properties. The boy actually believes in the new religion which is good until he dies.

The next in line for power is Mary who is Catholic. After regaining the throne – she throws the protestants out and rules as a Catholic. The protestants who were thrown out still want power and when Mary dies put in Elizabeth I who rules England.

In between the family is the power struggle and in all power struggles everyone does the SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis. Religion is thrown in to rouse the masses who do not understand they are being used to gain or keep power in one family or another.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, it is wonderful if the shares you own are widely held and power is changed through a responsible and even manner. Watching or reading about power struggles is fascinating stuff, but it only matters to you if they will buy you out or increase the dividends as the fight goes on. Leave it to the books or magazines not your investments.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.