Synopsis
Lucy Worsley presents six films about the mental and physical health of our past monarchs, covering Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, Charles I, George III and royal childbirth.
- Programme: Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
- Episode: 0: Learning Zone
- Channel: BBC Two
- Broadcast year: 2013
- History
Licence: ERA Licence required
UK only
Staff and students of licensed education establishments only
Cannot be adapted
Add Notes
More clips from Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History

1: Tudors to Stuarts: From Gods to Men | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
1: Tudors to Stuarts: From Gods to Men | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley explores how the health of past monarchs has shaped the nation. She exam...

2: Bad Blood: Stuarts to Hanoverians | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
2: Bad Blood: Stuarts to Hanoverians | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley explores how the health of monarchs has shaped the nation. She looks at th...

3: Happy Families: Hanoverians to Windsors | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
3: Happy Families: Hanoverians to Windsors | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
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Children of George III | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Children of George III | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley investigates the lives of the children of George III through items of their clothing.

Fredrick and Caroline | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Fredrick and Caroline | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
On her deathbed Caroline refused to see her estranged son Frederick.

George III Versus Parliament | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
George III Versus Parliament | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley discusses the battles in parliament during King George's moments of madness.

James II | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
James II | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
The birth of James II's son triggered a Protestant coup from William of Orange.

Mad George III | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Mad George III | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley discusses the bad health and supposed madness of George III.

Mary II is left in Charge | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Mary II is left in Charge | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley discusses the pressures put on Mary from her husband and father.

Queen Anne's Pregnancies | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Queen Anne's Pregnancies | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley investigates Queen Anne's gynaecological record.

Sarah and Anne's relationship | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Sarah and Anne's relationship | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley investigates the complicated relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah.

The Gluttony of George IV | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
The Gluttony of George IV | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley discusses the early life of George III.

The Role of Parliament in Succession | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
The Role of Parliament in Succession | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley investigates the parliamentary search to find a Protestant successor to Qu...

The Two Party System | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
The Two Party System | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley investigates the beginnings of the two party system.

Trouble for William and Mary | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Trouble for William and Mary | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley explores the physical health and appearance of William and Mary through a study of...
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1: Tudors to Stuarts: From Gods to Men | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
1: Tudors to Stuarts: From Gods to Men | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Lucy Worsley explores how the health of past monarchs has shaped the nation. She exam...