Watch Britain's Real Monarch

Britain's Real Monarch is a historical documentary film that aired on British television in 2004. It is hosted by Tony Robinson, who is known for his work on the popular television series Blackadder and Time Team. The film explores the controversial theory that the true British monarchy was replaced by an imposter in the 15th century. According to this theory, the real heir to the throne was Richard, Duke of York, who was supposedly smuggled out of the country to safety during the War of the Roses.

The film begins with Robinson introducing the theory and explaining how it has gained traction in recent years. He then proceeds to examine the evidence supporting the claim, including historical documents and physical traits shared by Richard and his supposed descendants.

Throughout the film, Robinson speaks with experts in various fields, including historians, geneticists, and genealogists. They offer their opinions on the theory and provide additional evidence to support or refute it.

One of the key pieces of evidence offered by the theorists is the Princes in the Tower mystery. Richard III was accused of murdering his two nephews, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, in 1483 to secure his own claim to the throne. However, their bodies were never found, which has led some to speculate that they were in fact smuggled out of the country.

Robinson visits the Tower of London, where the two princes were imprisoned, and speaks with a historian who explains the events surrounding their disappearance. He also visits the University of Leicester, where scientists recently conducted DNA testing on remains believed to belong to Richard III. The findings revealed that Richard III did indeed have a living relative in Canada, lending further credence to the theory that the true royal line was never broken.

Throughout the film, Robinson also explores the characters involved in the story, including the Yorkist leader Edward IV, his wife Elizabeth Woodville, and the Tudor monarchs Henry VII and Henry VIII. He provides historical background on their lives and reigns, which adds depth to the story and helps viewers understand the political motivations behind the theory.

In addition to the historical evidence, the film also examines the impact of the theory on society and the monarchy. Robinson speaks with members of the public who are passionate about the idea, as well as those who are dismissive or skeptical. He also talks with representatives from the monarchy, who offer their opinions on the theory and the potential consequences of acknowledging it.

Overall, Britain's Real Monarch is a well-researched and thought-provoking look at a controversial theory that challenges our understanding of British history. Whether the theory is true or not is ultimately left up to the viewer to decide, but Robinson does an excellent job of presenting the evidence and offering his own perspective. The film is sure to appeal to history buffs and fans of the British monarchy alike.

Britain's Real Monarch is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.