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Episode 1: Queen Victoria

Summary

If ever the image of a monarch was fixed in the public imagination, it's that of Queen Victoria. She gave her name to an age not readily associated with fun and laughter. In this episode Tracy explores two of the most important relationships in her private life.

Review

Is there anything to say about Queen Victoria’s life that hasn’t already been stated in a slew of documentaries and films? Well, yes. Once we get past a résumé of Victoria’s childhood, presenter Tracy Borman reveals the monarch chewed gum laced with cocaine and regularly took opium as a tincture soused in alcohol. Heavens to Betsy! Actually, this was quite acceptable at the time.

Later we learn there were at least seven bids to assassinate the queen. A section about son Bertie’s louche behaviour feels out of place, while the stories of Albert’s death and gilly John Brown are overly familiar, but it’s a passable start to a new historical royal series.

How to watch

Next showing

There are no live broadcasts scheduled for this show. But it is available via the streaming provider below.

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Details

Released on
2017-10-27
Languages
Formats
Colour

Credits

Cast

rolename
Princess Margaret RoseRoxana Lupu
SelfTony McMahon
John BrownDean Roberts
SelfHallie Rubenhold
Self - Historian & AuthorDominic Selwood

Crew

rolename
EditorDavid Willis

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  • Summary

    If ever the image of a monarch was fixed in the public imagination, it's that of Queen Victoria. She gave her name to an age not readily associated with fun and laughter. In this episode Tracy explores two of the most important relationships in her private life.

    Review

    Is there anything to say about Queen Victoria’s life that hasn’t already been stated in a slew of documentaries and films? Well, yes. Once we get past a résumé of Victoria’s childhood, presenter Tracy Borman reveals the monarch chewed gum laced with cocaine and regularly took opium as a tincture soused in alcohol. Heavens to Betsy! Actually, this was quite acceptable at the time.

    Later we learn there were at least seven bids to assassinate the queen. A section about son Bertie’s louche behaviour feels out of place, while the stories of Albert’s death and gilly John Brown are overly familiar, but it’s a passable start to a new historical royal series.

    How to watch

    Next showing

    There are no live broadcasts scheduled for this show. But it is available via the streaming provider below.

    Streaming

    We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more)

    Details

    Released on
    2017-10-27
    Languages
    Formats
    Colour

    Credits

    Cast

    rolename
    Princess Margaret RoseRoxana Lupu
    SelfTony McMahon
    John BrownDean Roberts
    SelfHallie Rubenhold
    Self - Historian & AuthorDominic Selwood

    Crew

    rolename
    EditorDavid Willis
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How to watch

Next showing

There are no live broadcasts scheduled for this show. But it is available via the streaming provider below.

Streaming

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