Royal Wives at War
The British royal family torn apart, a nation and empire thrown into crisis and the world plunged into war. To mark 80 years since Britain’s Abdication Crisis in 2016, this drama-documentary for the BBC and PBS reveals a fierce rivalry between two women, Elizabeth the Queen Mother and American socialite Wallis Simpson, and the political, cultural and constitutional repercussions their bitter feud.
Episodes
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Royal Wives at War
S1 E1 - 54m 25s
The British royal family torn apart, a nation and empire thrown into crisis and the world plunged into war. To mark 80 years since Britain’s Abdication Crisis in 2016, this drama-documentary for the BBC and PBS reveals a fierce rivalry between two women, Elizabeth the Queen Mother and American socialite Wallis Simpson, and the political, cultural and constitutional repercussions their bitter feud.
Extras + Features
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Wallis on Wallis
58s
Wallis Simpson, played by Gina McKee, recounts the advice she received from her mother when she was young on how to be the best at everything, and her aspirations to make it big.
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Ten Locations in One
3m 34s
Polesdan Lacey, an Edwardian Country house, was used as the location for the scenes in Royal Wives at War. Learn from the Production Designer, Alan Spalding, how it was used as 10 different locations, including Buckingham Palace.
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Elizabeth on Elizabeth
46s
Listen to Elizabeth the Queen Mother (Emma Davies) discuss duty to one's self and one's country.
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Preview
30s
Take a fresh look at the abdication crisis of 1936 through dramatized monologues by the two women at its heart, the Queen Mother and Wallis Simpson, as they look back at the dramatic events that led to Edward VIII’s decision to give up the throne.
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The Royal Wives Trail
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother pens a letter describing her strong feelings against Wallis Simpson.
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How to Dress Royal Icons
4m 38s
Hear about dressing royal icons from costume designer Joanna Beatty.
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The Abdication Speech
2m 16s
Watch an extended extract from King Edward VIII’s abdication speech from December 11, 1936.
Schedule
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