'The White Princess': Starz to Premiere Historical Series on April 16
Starz's upcoming historical series "The White Princess" is set to premiere this month.
The eight-episode limited series is a follow-up to the 2013 miniseries "The White Queen," and both shows are based on historical fiction novels of the same names written by author Philippa Gregory. The upcoming series will depict the political and emotionally turbulent times of 15th-century British history from the women's vantage point.
According to Screener, the story of "The White Princess" begins in 1485 with the warring houses of Lancaster and York. King Richard III (Aneurin Barnard) of the York family is killed in battle by Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy), the first monarch of the Tudor family. Henry was a descendant of the Lancasters through his mother, Margaret Beaufort (Michelle Fairley).
In an attempt to unite the two warring families, Margaret forges an alliance with the York monarch Elizabeth Woodville (Essie Davis) to crown Henry VII as the new king of England. The two mothers then arrange a marriage between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer) – the white princess – also known as Lizzie.
Neither Lizzie nor Henry desire to be wed to one another. Lizzie was in love with Richard III. Henry, on the other hand, isn't interested to be with a woman from a rival family.
With Henry and Lizzie's marriage, the royal couple would have to battle threats from all sides while they reluctantly attempt to build a life together.
"The politics of the whole country are told through the lens of that marriage," series showrunner Emma Frost told TV Insider. "The sacrifice the two of them make is to give peace to England by marrying someone they absolutely hate, so the war is now moved into this very personal relationship and into this marriage."
"The White Princess" is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, April 16, 8 p.m. EDT on Starz.