Royal Watchers Are We

Yes, we have become among those folks by watching online and on television.

Much to our delight (and many others), the second season of Victoria started 2 weeks ago on our local PBS channel. We started watching Victoria on PBS Masterpiece in 2017 when we were introduced the the high-spirited young Victoria and learned how she became queen at the age of 18. 

Much of the information about Victoria was derived from her journals as she was a prolific journal writer from age 13 in 1832 to her death in 1901. She compiled over 100 volumes. The program's producer and screenwriter Daisy Goodwin, an English writer, has said that she obtained her ideas for the series from those journals. Goodwin said she learned that Victoria's life was just as spirited and sexy as the series portrays it to be.

We've also been watching the lavishly filmed filmed Netflix-original production, The Crown. It's in its second season with additional ones reportedly planned. The drama chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to current times. 

Like Victoria, Elizabeth ascended the throne after the death of her father. Although she was slightly older, 25, when King George VI died. A newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II faces challenges in the political realm and her personal life. There's plenty of personal intrigues, romances and political rivalries through the years. The queen's sister, Princess Margaret, is often portrayed in a less than favorable way. But then, she also had her share of royal disappointments, particularly in romance.

The series was created and is principally written by Peter Morgan, a British film writer, playwright and producer. Morgan also wrote the 2006 film, The Queen in which actress Helen Mirren portrayed an older Queen Elizabeth II dealing with the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana.

One similarity between the two dramas is seeing their husbands handle their roles. Both queens are quick to show they rule in their homes as well as their nations. Prince Albert (Victoria) and Prince Phillip (The Crown) must put aside their notions of male supremacy in deference to their wives, who were given unique powers, sooner than expected. 

The first two seasons of The Crown also have dealt with the continuing frustrations of Prince Philip as he realizes what Elizabeth’s dying father, George VI, meant when he warned him with these ominous words: “The Queen will be your job.”

Sadly, our royal viewing of The Crown is over until future episodes are done. Luckily,  there are several more episodes of Victoria left so we can continue with our royal fix. 

Has anyone else also been captivated by these regal dramas?