Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History (2013)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Lucy Worsley, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, explores how the physical and mental health of our past monarchs has shaped the history of the nation. From Henry VIII to Edward VIII's abdication in 1936, this three-part series re-introduces our past royals not just as powerful potentates, but as human beings, each with their own very personal problems of biology and psychology.

Network
Scheduleevery Monday (59 min)

Last Episode

Happy Families: Hanoverians to Windsors
Season 1Episode 359 min

Happy Families: Hanoverians to Windsors

In the final episode, Dr Lucy Worsley investigates the medical histories and fraught family dynamics of Queen Victoria and her descendants. She begins and ends with two events which challenged the very survival of the crown and revealed how crucial the physical and mental health of the royal family remained: the sudden death of Princess Charlotte in 1817, and the abdication of Edward VIII over a century later.

In 1817, 21-year-old Princess Charlotte was the Hanoverian dynasty's great hope: popular with the public and about to give birth to her first child, thereby securing the royal succession for another generation. But, after a 50-hour labour, recorded in minute-by-minute detail by the country's leading midwife, the baby boy was delivered stillborn, and hours later, Charlotte died too. The nation was shocked by the sudden loss of the monarchy's next two generations, and a frantic race ensued for King George's unmarried sons to be the first to produce a legitimate heir. Two years later, the Duke of Kent's new German wife gave birth to a daughter, Princess Victoria.

Whilst producing children was not a problem for Victoria, rearing an heir who was fit to rule was another matter. Fearing their eight-year-old son and successor, Bertie (the future Edward VII), was not psychologically up to the job of king, Prince Albert turned to the new pseudo-science of phrenology in a bid to get to the root of his son's problems, and Lucy charts the effect their difficult mother-son relationship had on both their reigns.

Lucy also reveals the emotional strains the royals faced as they tried to reconcile the competing demands of public duty and a private life. She examines how Queen Victoria's severe depression after Prince Albert's death almost cost her the crown, and explores the emotional turmoil of Edward VIII, who ultimately declared himself unfit to rule, choosing love over the throne.

Apr 22, 2013

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E03Happy Families: Hanoverians to WindsorsApr 22, 2013
S01E02Bad Blood: Stuarts to HanoveriansApr 15, 2013
S01E01Tudors to Stuarts: From Gods to MenApr 8, 2013
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History premiere?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History premiered on April 19, 2013.

Who hosted Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

The TV show Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History was hosted by Lucy Worsley.

How many episodes were there in Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History consisted of three episodes.

What was the focus of Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History explored the impact of royal illnesses on history.

Which royal families were featured in Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History covered various royal families, including the British, French, Russian, and Spanish dynasties.

What historical periods were discussed in Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History discussed various historical periods, such as the Tudor era, the Enlightenment, and the Russian Revolution.

Were there any notable guests on Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

Yes, Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History featured interviews with experts, historians, and medical professionals who provided insights into the topic.

How did Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History present its information?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History combined historical reenactments, expert analysis, and archival footage to present its information.

Did Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History receive any awards or nominations?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History received critical acclaim and was nominated for several television awards.

What was the production quality of Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History had high production values, with detailed set designs and authentic costumes.

How did Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History explore the impact of royal illnesses?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History delved into the political, social, and cultural consequences of royal illnesses on the course of history.

Did Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History include any personal stories of royals affected by illness?

Yes, Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History shared personal stories of royals who faced health challenges and how it shaped their lives.

What were some of the most interesting cases discussed in Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History explored cases such as King George III's mental health issues, King Louis XIV's painful leg condition, and the hemophilia affecting the Russian royal family.

Did Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History provide new insights into historical events?

Yes, Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History offered fresh perspectives on well-known historical events by examining how royal illnesses influenced decision-making and power dynamics.

Were there any surprising revelations in Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History revealed lesser-known aspects of royal illnesses, highlighting their impact on political alliances, succession, and public perception of monarchs.

Did Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History balance entertainment and education?

Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History struck a balance between entertainment and education, making it an engaging and informative viewing experience.

Cast

Lucy Worsley

Lucy Worsley

plays herself
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Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Lucy Worsley
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