Watch Royal Wives at War

Royal Wives at War is a two-part British television series that aired on PBS' Masterpiece in 2016. The series is set during World War II and focuses on the lives of two of the most prominent women in British history, Queen Elizabeth (Gina McKee) and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (Emma Davies). The series explores the relationship between the two royal women, as well as their roles in the war effort.

The first episode of Royal Wives at War, "The Reluctant Queen," opens in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. It introduces viewers to Queen Elizabeth (McKee), who is married to King George VI (played by Nick Waring). Despite her position as queen, Elizabeth is shown to be somewhat shy and reserved, not entirely comfortable in her royal role. Her husband, King George VI, is afflicted with a stammer that makes it difficult for him to speak publicly, adding to the couple's nervousness about their roles.

As Britain enters into war with Germany, Elizabeth's life is turned upside down. She must navigate the complex and politically charged world of wartime Britain, acting as a figurehead for the country's morale and often coming into conflict with her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (Emma Davies). The series explores the dynamic between the two women, who are often at odds but who also share a deep bond.

The second episode of Royal Wives at War, "The Queen Mother's Blitz," focuses more on Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother becomes known for her tireless work during the Blitz, when German bombs rained down on London for months. Her public appearances and speeches uplifted the spirits of the British people, while behind the scenes she pressed for the evacuation of children to the countryside.

Throughout Royal Wives at War, viewers are shown the efforts of both women to support the war effort in their own way. Queen Elizabeth is seen visiting troops and wounded soldiers, while the Queen Mother is shown rallying the public and visiting bombed-out neighborhoods. The series also explores the personal lives of both women, showing their families and their struggles with their public personas.

One of the standout performances in the series is that of Gina McKee as Queen Elizabeth. McKee brings a sense of vulnerability and gravitas to the role, portraying a woman who is torn between her private desires and her public responsibilities. Emma Davies is also excellent as the Queen Mother, bringing a regal air to the role while also showing the character's warmth and compassion.

The production values of Royal Wives at War are top-notch, with great care taken to recreate the look and feel of wartime Britain. The series was filmed on location in England, and the attention to detail is evident in the costumes, sets, and props. The music is also well-done, with a score that expertly captures the mood and tone of the series.

In conclusion, Royal Wives at War is an engaging and well-crafted historical drama that will appeal to fans of British period pieces. With strong performances from its leads and high production values, the series offers a fascinating look at the lives of two of Britain's most famous queens during a pivotal period in history.

Royal Wives at War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between September 18, 2016 and on Masterpiece