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The Queen Now Rules Medieval Times In Lyndhurst

Medieval Times
Medieval Times for WBGO

The times...they are changing at Medieval Times housed at the Lyndhurst, New Jersey castle. In the Medieval Times’ 34-year tradition, a queen has never ruled the land…until now.

It started late last week. Queen Isabella is now in charge. Isabella is cast as firm but kind ruler respected throughout the kingdom, inheriting the throne after her father passed away.

Medieval Times leadership team developed the idea to cast a matriarch, based in part on guest feedback that they would like to see women having more significant roles.

Jousting, fighting, horsemanship, swordplay and chicken feast remain central elements of the dinner attraction.

New music has been composed by Dr. Daniel May, composer and jazz pianist who scored “Everest” and other films and who worked with Sting, The Moody Blues and others.

Queen Isabella
Credit Casey Doyle for WBGO News
WBGO News Director Doug Doyle speaks with Queen Isabella

There’s a new script and costumes for the knights and horses. It takes two months to teach a queen to ride an Andalusian stallion and Queen Isabella rides it proudly.

Click above to hear Doug Doyle's feature on the change at Medieval Times.

Doug Doyle has been News Director at WBGO since 1998 and has taken his department to new heights in coverage and recognition. Doug and his staff have received more than 250 awards from organizations like PRNDI (now PMJA), AP, New York Association of Black Journalists, Garden State Association of Black Journalists and the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists.