Around the world, people have a fascination for those born into privilege. And at the top of the heap are those born into royalty, groomed from a young age to take on the responsibilities, and perks, of leadership. From Queen Cleopatra to King Henry VIII to the current Queen of England, filmmakers, like their audiences, have taken a keen interest in what makes these people tick, always trying to expose something of their private lives and challenges, and perhaps even making them seem as human as the rest of us. Pictured: Queen Bette in 'The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex'.
Focusing on the early years of King Henry VIII's reign, 'The Tudors' looks at the colourful personal life and tremendously influential political life... Read more
This lavishly produced, epic historical drama is set in the third century B.C. and tells the multi-faceted story of the man who became the first Emper... Read more
Sweeping historic epic set in France in 1671 and starring Gerard Depardieu as Francois Vatel, a steward for the near-bankrupt Prince de Conde. While... Read more
Less of a sumptuous period piece (although those elements are there), Imbachs look at one of the worlds most intriguing historical, female figurehea... Read more
Directed by John Gorrie (The Oscar Wilde Collection) this BAFTA winning drama focuses around the life of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and the dramas... Read more
The beautiful Romy Schneider stars in three captivating films (plus a prequel) based on the tumultuous life of the beloved Austrian Empress, Sissi. Th... Read more
Zhang Yimou's characteristically lush historical melodrama, set near the end of theTang Dynasty, with Chow Yun-Fat as the Emperor whose wife (Gong Li)... Read more
Produced by the BBC, this epic historical drama series is set during the English Civil War and follows the changing loyalties and wrenching conflict w... Read more
Twenty seven years into his reign, Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is at the height of his powers. Shortly after the execution of Anne Boleyn he tak... Read more
On the evening of December 11, 1936, England's King Edward VIII formally broadcast his farewell to a nation. Torn between duty and love, he had decide... Read more