Edward VII (ITV 1975, Timothy West, Annette Crosbie)

Period drama serial Edward VII told the life story of the heir to Queen Victoria, especially his dalliances with Lillie Langtry and other women.

Edward VII might have given his name to a colourful era but before he became King he was a frustrated young man having to cope with the demure Victorian era of his mother. Feeling that he was being his proper position The Prince was heir to the throne for 60 years but monarch for only 9.

Whilst Prince he gambled and slept his way through life convinced that pleasure was his only way forward.

The series actually had the Royal seal of approval with filming being allowed to take place at Sandringham and Osborne House as well as other Royal households.

Memorable Moments: Throughout his reign Edward seduced a series of beautiful women. In one infamous affair he was said to have fathered a blind child by Lady Harriett Mordaunt. We see the scandal unfold and watch as the future king is cleared in a court case. Later Edward is bewitched by the actress Lily Langtry (Francesca Annis – who would go on to play Lillie again in another popular series, also called Lillie) and starts a passionate affair. Other stars to look out for include Charles Dance, John Gielgud, Nigel Havers and Rula Lenska and Felicity Kendal.

Trivia: Edward VII is rumoured to have read just one book in his entire life, having hated his harsh education at the Royal court.

Alice Keppel, Edward VII’s last ‘official’ mistress, was allowed to sit by his bedside as he died, watched over by his wife and family. One of Keppel’s great grand daughters is Prince Charles’ wife Camilla Parker Bowles.

Also known as “EDWARD THE KING” in overseas markets.

cast
Annette Crosbie as Queen Victoria
Timothy West as Prince of Wales
Helen Ryan as Princess Alexandra
Felicity Kendal as Princess Vicky
Guy Slater as Charles Carrington
Jane Lapotaire as Dowager Empress Dagmar
Michael Osborne as Prince George
Michael Hordern as W.E. Gladstone
Christopher Neame as Kaiser Wilhelm II
Peter Howell as Francis Knollys
Michael Byrne as Fritz
Judy Loe as Princess May
Ian Gelder as Affie
Madeleine Cannon as Princess Toria
Barbara Laurenson as Charlotte Knollys
Francesca Annis as Lillie Langtry
John Gielgud as Disraeli
Carolyn Seymour as Lady Brooke
Geoffrey Bayldon as Campbell-Bannerman
Charles Dance as Prince Eddy
Richard Vernon as Lord Salisbury
Cheryl Campbell as Princess Beatrice
Rula Lenska  as Hortense Schneider

crew details
Writers: David Butler (Eps 1-6 and 11-13), John Gorrie (Eps 7-10)
Producer: Cecil Clarke
Book: Philip Magnus
Director: John Gorrie

production details
Country: UK
Network and Production Companies: ITV – ATV
Duration: 13×50 minute episodes
Aired From: 1 April – 1 July 1975

THE EPISODES
1. THE BOY
2. AN EXPERIMENT IN EDUCATION
3. THE NEW WORLD
4. ALIX
5. A HUNDRED THOUSAND WELCOMES
6. THE INVISIBLE QUEEN
7. DEAREST PRINCE
8. THE ROYAL QUADRILLE
9. SCANDAL
10. THE YEARS OF WAITING
11. KING AT LAST
12. THE PEACEMAKER
13. GOOD OLD TEDDY

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