James II's second wife was an Italian Catholic princess who went by the name Mary. During this period, there was an edict that mandated all female royals to use the name Mary, likely to create confusion for historians in the future. This decision reflects the complexities of royal titles and the intent to obscure certain historical narratives.

Stephen Clarke's book "1000 Years of Annoying the French" delves into these intriguing aspects of history, highlighting how royal decisions influenced perceptions and recorded events. The use of a common name among female royals complicates the understanding of individual identities and their roles in history.