10 Captivating TV Dramas About The British Royal Family

The White Queen

Based on Philippa Gregory’s The Cousins’ War novels, this 2013 ten-part series explores the women caught in the Wars of the Roses. Set in 1464, the story centers on Elizabeth Woodville, played by Rebecca Ferguson, whose marriage to Edward IV sparks rivalry, ambition, and shifting loyalties in the race for England’s throne.

Pillars of the Earth

Directed by Tom Hooper, this two-part drama features Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth I during the later years of her reign. Beginning in 1579, the series delves into her political challenges and personal relationships, including her enduring bond with the Earl of Leicester and her complicated connection with the Earl of Essex. The cast includes Jeremy Irons, Hugh Dancy, Toby Jones, and Ian McDiarmid, with Eddie Redmayne in an early role.

Wolf Hall

Adapted from Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed novels, Wolf Hall traces the rise of Thomas Cromwell from humble beginnings to the inner circle of King Henry VIII. Mark Rylance leads the cast with a restrained, compelling performance, supported by Damian Lewis as Henry and Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn. The six-part series, released in 2015, presents a politically layered view of the Tudor court.

The Tudors

Created by Michael Hirst, The Tudors chronicles the turbulent rule of King Henry VIII with a strong emphasis on drama rather than strict historical detail. Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as the king across four seasons, alongside performances from Sam Neill, Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer, and Joss Stone. Airing between 2007 and 2010, the series explores Henry’s political ambitions, marriages, and shifting alliances within a visually rich interpretation of 16th-century England.

The Last Kingdom

Based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom unfolds in the late 9th century, when England was divided into several warring kingdoms. The series follows Uhtred, a Saxon noble captured and raised by Danes, who must choose where his allegiance truly lies. Alongside King Alfred the Great, he becomes part of the struggle to unite the land against Viking invasion.

Victoria

ITV’s Victoria stars Jenna Coleman as the young queen from her unexpected ascension at age eighteen. The series begins with her early reliance on Lord Melbourne, played by Rufus Sewell, before following her marriage to Prince Albert, portrayed by Tom Hughes. Across its run, the drama depicts her growing confidence as a ruler while balancing motherhood and public duty.

The Crown

Netflix’s award-winning drama The Crown explores the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, beginning in the late 1940s. The first two seasons follow Claire Foy’s portrayal of a young Elizabeth as she tries to manage early marriage and political duties, with Matt Smith playing Prince Philip. From Season 3, Olivia Colman and Tobias Menzies step in as the story moves through the 1970s and 1980s, while Imelda Staunton leads the final chapters.

Elizabeth I

Directed by Tom Hooper, this two-part drama features Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth I during the later years of her reign. Beginning in 1579, the series delves into her political challenges and personal relationships, including her enduring bond with the Earl of Leicester and her complicated connection with the Earl of Essex. The cast includes Jeremy Irons, Hugh Dancy, Toby Jones, and Ian McDiarmid, with Eddie Redmayne in an early role.

World Without End

Set two centuries after The Pillars of the Earth, this sequel series returns to the town of Kingsbridge during the 14th century. Airing in 2012, the eight-part drama depicts life as the community faces both war and the arrival of the Black Death. The cast includes Cynthia Nixon, Peter Firth, Ben Chaplin, Charlotte Riley, and Miranda Richardson, with Blake Ritson portraying King Edward III.

Reign

Reign offers a romantic, highly dramatized take on the early life of Mary, Queen of Scots. The series follows Mary’s arrival at the French court, her alliances, and her struggles to protect her future. Blending period settings with youthful storytelling, the show focuses more on fictionalized relationships and palace intrigue than strict historical accuracy.