In telling a story it is not surprising that authors and podcasters latch on to any 'interesting' events & explanations appearing in their literature searches -- without investigating the veracity of the source offering the tidbit.
1. Tea Dresses
I am now listening to a book about Edward VII (The King in Love by Aronson) and the first several chapters focus on the attention that he plays to the ladies. At least according to this book, it became more socially acceptable for upper class married women to have affairs (after having given birth to an heir or two or three) -- just as their husbands might have affairs. Again, according to this book, it was not unusual for such liaisons to occur in the late afternoon when the husband was at his club or visiting his own friend. Women at that time wore corsets which were a little difficult to get out of and more difficult to get in to. Upper class women would have maids to help them dress. But after an afternoon liaison, a maid could not be called in, so the couple had to get her back together -- quite inconvenient. So according to Aronson, the Tea Dress was born. Such dresses were of light flowing fabric and gathered under the waist. Thus no need for a corset.
Other sources attributed the Tea Dress to women's general desire for comfort in the afternoon when they might be home with family or when any visits were rather informal. There was some mention of the corset/liaison explanation but more as an amusing trifle.
2. Katherine Parr
At one time Katherine was depicted as a somewhat dowdy companion/nurse for Henry VIII. But over time the image has changed. Katherine married Henry when she was 31 and quite an attractive woman. Henry had doctors and attendants to care for him. Indeed, when he was most ill including at the end, he did not want Katherine nearby.
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