The Royals: A Deep Dive into the Production and Concept of the E! Drama
The Royals emerged as a bold experiment for the E! network, blending the opulence of monarchy with the high-stakes drama of a nighttime soap opera. Loosely based on the novel Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray, the series sought to pull back the curtain on the private lives of a fictional royal family, exploring the tension between public image and private desire.
Key Facts
- Network: E! (originally the network's first scripted pilot project).
- Run Time: Four seasons, premiering in 2015 and officially ending in 2018.
- Primary Location: Filmed largely in the United Kingdom, using Blenheim Palace as the royal residence.
- Lead Actress: Elizabeth Hurley starred as the matriarchal Queen Helena.
- Creator: Mark Schwahn (later removed from the series due to misconduct allegations).
Production and Development Timeline
The journey of The Royals began in April 2013 when E! announced its move into scripted programming. Alongside a project titled Songbyrd, The Royals was developed as a contemporary ensemble piece framed by the themes of Shakespeare's Hamlet. After the pilot was picked up in March 2014, production commenced in London in June of that year.
The series saw rapid early success, with E! renewing the show for a second season in January 2015—two months before its official premiere on March 15, 2015. The show continued its momentum with a third season in December 2016 and a fourth season in March 2018.
However, the production faced a significant crisis following the completion of season four. Creator Mark Schwahn was suspended on November 15, 2017, and subsequently fired on December 22, 2017, following sexual harassment allegations involving female cast and crew from The Royals and his previous work on One Tree Hill. While Lionsgate Television attempted to shop the series to other networks, including Pop, it was officially announced as ended on September 24, 2018.
Filming Locations
To achieve a sense of authentic regal opulence, the production utilized several historic British sites. Blenheim Palace served as the primary fictional royal palace. As the series progressed, the production expanded its footprint to include:
- Kent: Filming took place at Allington Castle, Boughton Monchelsea Place, and Chapel Place in Tunbridge Wells (used for a royal wedding).
- The Historic Dockyard Chatham: Used for season four, featuring the Ropery Tunnels, HMS Cavalier, the Tarred Yarn Store, and the Commissioner's House garden.
- Bedfordshire: Various scenes were captured at Wrest Park.
Casting and Character Evolution
The casting process began in September 2013 with Elizabeth Hurley securing the lead role of Queen Helena. She was joined by William Moseley as Prince Liam and Virginia Mason Park as Princess Eleanor. While Haley Lu Richardson originally played Ophelia in the pilot, she was replaced by Merritt Patterson before the first season's filming began.
Over the seasons, the cast evolved to introduce new dynamics. Laila Rouass joined as the Deputy Prime Minister Rani, and Max Brown entered in season three as Prince Robert, the eldest son previously presumed dead. Some roles saw physical changes; for instance, Jerry-Jane Pears replaced Hatty Preston as Princess Maribel, a change the show explained through the character's plastic surgery.
Creative Concept and Characterization
The series was designed as a "tongue-in-cheek" drama. Creator Mark Schwahn described it as a family drama that happened to feature a royal family, focusing on the hidden motivations and flaws of its characters. The cast described the show as "uncompromising," refusing to pretend the characters were anything other than flawed human beings.
Character Archetypes
- Queen Helena: A powerful matriarch inspired by a mix of Princess Diana and the Disney villain Cruella de Vil.
- King Simon: A soft-spoken ruler grappling with the grief of losing his eldest son.
- Prince Liam: A rebellious playboy struggling with the prospect of becoming king.
- Princess Eleanor: A young "party girl" searching for her place in the world.
- Jasper: A mysterious bodyguard with deep-seated secrets.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Contemporary Royal Drama / Soap Opera |
| Seasons | 4 |
| Primary Setting | United Kingdom (Fictional Monarchy) |
| Key Locations | Blenheim Palace, Allington Castle, Wrest Park |
| Based On | Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inspiration for Queen Helena?
Elizabeth Hurley noted that while there was no correlation to Queen Elizabeth II, the character was inspired by Princess Diana and the Disney character Cruella de Vil.
Why was the series canceled?
Following the firing of creator Mark Schwahn due to sexual harassment allegations, E! canceled the series in August 2018. Efforts by Lionsgate Television to find a new network home for the show were unsuccessful.
Where was The Royals filmed?
The show was filmed in the United Kingdom, primarily at Blenheim Palace, with additional locations in Kent (Allington Castle, Boughton Monchelsea Place) and Bedfordshire (Wrest Park).
How did the show handle the recasting of Princess Maribel?
When Jerry-Jane Pears replaced Hatty Preston in the role of Princess Maribel for season two, the production explained the change in appearance through the plot point of plastic surgery.