What is The White Princess about? Which Tudor king does it cover?

The White Princess is coming to BritBox. It’s a reminder that this series exists, and you’ll certainly want to watch it, especially as a Jodie Comer fan. Of course, before you get into the series, you’ll want to know when it takes place in the Tudor period.

Yes, this is another Tudor-period series. However, it’s not set in the traditional period that most other shows are set. Move over Henry VIII; there is another Tudor king we need to follow.

In fact, it’s not really about a Tudor monarch. Instead, it’s about his Queen Consort, and the sacrifices made to unite a kingdom.

The White Princess tells the story of Elizabeth of York and King Henry VII of England

We’re going to the start of the Tudor period. Yes, it’s the start of the dynasty, picking up off the back of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

King Richard III faced Henry Tudor in the battle. It was the last Red Rose vs. White Rose battle, and it ended with the defeat of Richard III, who was considered a usurper to the throne. England was suffering from years of war and quick changeovers of monarchs, and Henry wasn’t technically the Lancastrian heir to the throne.

So, he needed to figure out a way to secure his claim to the throne. What better way than uniting England at the same time? He married Elizabeth of York, the daughter of King Edward IV and the sister of King Edward V, who Richard may or may not have had killed to usurp the throne.

The White Princess gives us Elizabeth’s story

Of course, Henry’s story is written. Phillipa Gregory’s novels don’t focus on the men in history. Her novel The White Princess, which this series is an adaptation of, follows the women instead. It follows Elizabeth’s story, as she realizes that she needs to put duty before everything else. The only way to ensure a member of her family sits on the throne is to marry a man she doesn’t love or know.

She will have to do whatever it takes to keep Henry in power. That’s especially the case when a man who claims he is Elizabeth’s other brother, Richard, turns up. You see, Richard was supposedly in the Tower of London with Edward when the two went missing and were presumed killed by Richard. Will Elizabeth believe the claims of this man, or will she sacrifice family for power?

Find out in The White Princess.