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
View all cast

Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Lucy Worsley
View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Kevin Costner's The West
Running

Kevin Costner's The West

Kevin Costner's The West takes viewers on an epic journey through the birth of the American West, examining the relentless competition for land, power, and identity that forged our nation's history. With legends born from figures such as Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea, to the clashes between lawmen and outlaws, the rise of cowboys and ranchers, the resilience of trailblazing women, and the fervor of fortune seekers and abolitionists, this series spans a century of pivotal events. By presenting these stories from diverse perspectives, the series illuminates both the indelible contributions of the pioneers who shaped the dream of the American West and the courageous resistance of Native American tribes who valiantly defended their ancestral land. 

The series highlights pivotal battles and iconic figures, from Chief Little Turtle's decisive victory over the U.S. Army, sparking General "Mad" Anthony Wayne's counteroffensive and the inexorable push westward, to the tenacious stands of the Blackfeet, Comanche, and Lakota Sioux tribes and by warriors like Red Cloud and Crazy Horse, as well as the storied vigilante Joaquin Murrieta. Blending powerful historical archive, striking visuals and insightful expert interviews with globally recognized historians, each episode highlights a crucial and often tragic chapter in the rich tapestry of the West.

GenreWar, Western, History
The Chosen
Running

The Chosen

The Chosen is the first-ever-multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus. Created outside of the Hollywood system, The Chosen allows us to see Him through the eyes of those who knew him. No matter where you are at in your journey with Jesus Christ, this TV show is for you.

GenreDrama, History
Days of Our Lives
Running

Days of Our Lives

Days of our Lives is set in the fictitious Midwestern town of Salem. The core families are the Bradys, the Hortons and the DiMeras, and the multi-layered storylines involve elements of romance, adventure, mystery, comedy and drama.

Beginning on September 12, 2022, DAYS became exclusive to streaming on Peacock.

GenreDrama, Family, Romance
General Hospital
Running

General Hospital

General Hospital, which celebrated its golden anniversary on April 1, 2013, continues its tradition of passion, intrigue and adventure that takes place in the fictional town of Port Charles in upstate New York. The glamour and excitement of those who have come to find their destinies in this familiar seaport town intertwine with the lives, loves and fortunes of beloved, well-known faces. As always, love, danger and mind blowing plot twists continue to abound on General Hospital with contemporary storylines and unforgettable characters.

GenreDrama, Medical
The Young and the Restless
Running

The Young and the Restless

The Young and the Restless revolves around the rivalries, romances, hopes and fears of the residents of the fictional Midwestern metropolis, Genoa City. The lives and loves of a wide variety of characters mingle through the generations, dominated by the Newman, Abbott, Chancellor, Baldwin and Winters families. ­ When The Young and the Restless premiered in 1973, it revolutionized the daytime drama. It continues to set the standard with strong characters, socially conscious storylines, romance and sensuality.

GenreDrama, Family, Romance
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!