Royally Unwell

Television loves many things, among which are looks, smarts and eccentricities. Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, has all three in spades and her brief series, 'Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History' was both entertaining and informative, and looked at how malady and monarchy have coincided over the years. While examining more celebrated instances such as the madness of King George, Worsley was particularly good at focusing those figures forgotten or over-looked. Poor Queen Anne (1665 to 1714). Such was the expectation of bearing an heir and a spare, Anne endured 17 pregnancies, with only one son being born, William, and he lived to be only eleven years of age. While 'thetvreviewguy' would be a Republican at heart but at the same time, found the programme fascinating, principally for the reminder of just how far we have come on in medicine and life expectancy over the last four centuries. Lucy Worsley is a charming host, bringing the viewer on a quasi-guided tour of royal illness and this was good, solid television, probably more BBC 4 oriented, but well-suited to a BBC2 slot also. While some more shallow viewers (like 'thetvreviewguy'?) may have been partially drawn into watching for Ms Worsley's 'Posh Totty' status, she is an accomplished Historian and confident Presenter, a welcome addition to the telly game...a Princess among Women.