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
Rumours of George and Maria's marriage is met with public concern over the Protestant succession, there being a belief in a plot to make Maria, a Catholic, Queen of the United Kingdom. Though a marriage to a Roman Catholic would mean George's exclusion in the line of succession, the marriage is legally void as laid by the Royal Marriages Act 1772 for the marriage was carried out without the consent of the British monarch. George and Maria finally decide to leave to Brighton away from the British public, however Charles James Fox and Richard Sheridan are in hope that the seclusion would pull them apart. George returns to England in hopes of an increased income for him and Maria, however Fox warns him of consequences of such provision given his relationship with a Catholic, and George is implored by Fox and Sheridan to return to Brighton to little avail against George's impatience. George asks Independent MP Nathaniel Newham to introduce George's financial desires in the House of Commons, subjecting Fox and Sheridan to parliamentary scrutiny over George's affairs with Maria. Fox openly denies the marriage, greatly upsetting Maria, citing the trouble the marriage has caused, and she decides to leave him. Amid a threat to Fox's political reputation, Fox leaves for Italy. Meanwhile, Maria is still well received in society, and George is encouraged to meet her again in belief she would be more open to him. This notion proves right, for Maria agrees to return to him. Meanwhile as Prince Frederick returns to England, the King's mental illness is becoming more apparent and concerns begin to arise. Queen Charlotte seeks medical help in fear of the King's mental state, and William Pitt suggests medical treatment by doctors Francis Willis and his son John. Dr Willis has the King confined, with sole authority as his treatment. Concern for the King also breeds concern for the role of head of state; Sheridan proposes the prospect of a regency bill that would allow George to rule as proxy to his father, much to George's interest and Frederick's disagreement. Upon Fox's return to England, George consults him on the matter. Pitt, who has a majority in the House of Commons, supports George as regent however elects to heavily restrict him. However, before the Regency bill could be put to a vote, the King miraculously recovers, allowing Pitt to delay the bill to George's outrage.
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