Royal Cousins at War

A sober, talky history lesson that makes palace politics feel like a slow-motion family tragedy.

Created by

Denys Blakeway, Richard Sanders

Genres

Documentary, War & politics

Starring

Tamsin Greig

Overview

At the time World War I broke out, the King of England, the Czar of Russia, and the Kaiser of Germany were first cousins. This two-part series looks at the role played by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and King George V of England, and their relationships with each other, in the outbreak of war. Mismanaging their countries and mishandling foreign policy, they failed to adapt to the forces of nationalism and democracy, and so brought tumbling down their own ideal of a Europe governed by the descendants of Queen Victoria. While it was war that delivered the final blow, this fascinating series shows how the problems had set in much earlier. A two part miniseries.

How it feels

Tense, melancholic, earnest and dark. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Power, family, war, politics

Content

Mild violence. No gore, sexual content or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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