The Series
Prince Regent is a British period television series made and transmitted by the BBC in 1979. It depicts the life of George IV from his youth, time as Prince Regent and his reign as King. It consists of eight episodes of 50 minutes.[1]
The series stars Peter Egan as George IV throughout his youth, regency, and first year of his reign, with Nigel Davenport as King George III, and Susannah York as Maria Fitzherbert. It was primarily directed by Michael Simpson, with Michael Hayes directing the fourth episode, and primarily written by Robert Muller, as well as Nemone Lethbridge, Ian Curteis, and Reg Gadney in other episodes.
This Episode
Seventeen-year-old George, Prince of Wales, the eldest son and heir apparent of King George III, desires to continue his military training alongside his brother Prince Frederick in Germany, and is determined to remain in his father's good graces in order for him to pay George's debts in full. While at court, George sights Maria Fitzherbert and is instantly allured, despite her being a twice widowed Roman Catholic commoner. The King, upset by George's irresponsibility and extravagance, reveals that George will not continue his military service in Germany, and that Frederick is to go alone. A greatly dismayed George resolves to continue his spending and public liaison with actress Mary Robinson, whilst the King attempts to put a stop to it by means of further restriction. Meanwhile, signs of the King's mental illness worsens. George, having come of age, finally meets Fitzherbert and decides he is in love with her. However, Fitzherbert is reluctant of his advances given her propriety and his affairs with other women. George is further met with deterrence of her Roman Catholicism, and how such a marriage would result in his forfeiting the British throne, even if his father consents to the union. Nevertheless, George is determined to marry Fitzherbert. Aware of the seriousness of the situation, Fitzherbert resolves to leave England. George implores Colonel Lake to intercept Fitzherbert and urge her to return home as George threatens his own life. Concerned for the Prince's health, Fitzherbert returns and finally agrees to marry him. George and Maria are secretly married on 15 December 1785.
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