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King Charles III

Adaptation of the Tony-nominated stage play. When the new King Charles refuses to sign a bill into law, a constitutional crisis is detonated, threatening the monarchy's future.

King Charles III, adapted by Mike Bartlett from his Tony-nominated stage play, is part political thriller, part family drama, and a timely examination of contemporary Britain.

Prince Charles has waited his entire life to ascend to the British throne. But after the Queen's death, he immediately finds himself wrestling his conscience over a bill to sign into law. His hesitation detonates a constitutional and political crisis, and his family start to worry, with William and Kate becoming aware his actions may threaten their future. Meanwhile, an unhappy and frustrated Prince Harry starts a relationship with a 'commoner', just at the moment that the press is looking for a way to attack. With the future of the monarchy under threat, protests on the streets and his family in disarray, Charles must grapple with his own identity and purpose to decide whether, in the 21st century, the British crown still has any real power.

This adaptation retains the daring verse of the original text while fully realising on screen the ambitious scale and spectacle suggested by the play - from Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to the restless streets of London. Tim Pigott-Smith (Downton Abbey, The Hour) reprises the role of Charles from the acclaimed West End and Broadway production, while Charlotte Riley (Close to the Enemy, Peaky Blinders) stars as Kate Middleton. Olivier award-winner Rupert Goold (The Hollow Crown, True Story) directs. It is produced by Drama Republic, the company behind Golden Globe, Bafta and RTS Award-winning dramas The Honourable Woman, Doctor Foster and An Inspector Calls.

1 hour, 29 minutes

Last on

Wed 10 May 2017 21:00
BBC Two

Clips

See all clips from King Charles III (4)

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:24

    DJ BoBo

    Everybody (First Edition)

  • 00:24

    Jamie Foxx

    Rainman

  • 00:32

    Craig Armstrong

    Two Minutes To Four and Reunited (feat. Lana Del Rey)

  • 00:33

    Anthony Callea

    The Prayer

Credits

Charles Tim Pigott-Smith
William Oliver Chris
Harry Richard Goulding
Kate Charlotte Riley
Prime Minister Adam James
Jess Tamara Lawrance
Camilla Margot Leicester
James Reiss Tim McMullan
Mrs Stevens Priyanga Burford
Diana Katie Brayben
Paul Nyasha Hatendi
Archbishop of Canterbury John Shrapnel
Spencer Parth Thakerar
Speaker Ian Redford
Coottsey Max Bennett
Bob Tom Mothersdale
Sir Matthew Rupert Vansittart
Executive Producer Greg Brenman
Executive Producer Roanna Benn
Executive Producer Mike Bartlett
Executive Producer Rupert Goold
Producer Simon Maloney
Writer Mike Bartlett
Director Rupert Goold
Production Company Drama Republic Ltd

Broadcast

Cast and Characters

Cast and Characters

In an imagined future, Charles has become King. Meet him and those closest to him.