Description
This is a recording of a live online event held on Wednesday 29 January.
Broadcaster Julie Montagu (American Viscountess) investigates the life of Alberta Sturges, 9th Countess of Sandwich. In the gilded corridors of early 20th-century high society, Julie introduces us to Alberta as she stands at a crossroads between societal expectations and personal enlightenment.
Born into an era marked by the transatlantic marriages of American heiresses—like Consuelo Vanderbilt to the Duke of Marlborough and Helena Zimmerman to the Duke of Manchester—Alberta faces pressures to conform. Yet, her personal journey is one of profound introspection and spiritual discovery, influenced by her deep engagement with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
As she corresponds with George, a potential suitor and later her husband of 46 years, her letters reflect a struggle to reconcile a life pre-ordained by social duty with a path of spiritual authenticity she yearns to follow. Alberta’s story is a compelling exploration of identity, duty, and the pursuit of a life led not by societal norms, but by the quest for personal truth and spiritual integrity.
About this Online Talk
This event is a live online talk at the given date and time. You will need access to a suitable computer (with audio/video), tablet or smartphone device. Please note that after booking, you will receive your personalised Zoom invite via email one or two days before each event.
Attendees Outside the UK
This Talk will run from 7pm to 8:30pm (19:00 to 20:30 hours) UK local time. If you are outside of the UK please check your local time, particularly if your location changes to/from Daylight Savings Time on a different schedule to the UK during March/April. To check and convert times please visit TimeAndDate.com.
Supporting the RSN
The minimum requested donation for this talk is £8.50 per person, but you may donate a higher value of your choosing if you wish. Please note that Gift Aid is only applicable for donations over £8.50. As a charity, we are very grateful for any support you can give us to put towards the RSN’s essential costs. Thank you.
For details on further RSN events, please visit our Online Talks page.
For details on other RSN Talks on Demand, please visit our Talks on Demand page.