Robert Lacey, renowned historian and consultant for the hit Netflix series The Crown, has provided invaluable insights into the history of the British royal family. His expertise in royal history has shaped many portrayals of the monarchy on screen, bringing the lives of monarchs, princes, and princesses to life. In this brief guide, we will explore the key moments in British royal history as viewed through the lens of Lacey’s work and analysis.

Early History: From the Normans to the Plantagenets

The origins of the British royal family can be traced back to the Norman Conquest in 1066, a turning point in English history. Following the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror became the first Norman king of England, establishing the foundations of a monarchy that would span centuries. Lacey often emphasizes how the monarchy’s survival and evolution have been influenced by this initial act of conquest, which solidified the rule of the Normans and their legacy.

The Plantagenets, beginning with Henry II in the 12th century, further solidified the power of the monarchy. Lacey notes that during the Plantagenet era, the monarchy saw both the heights of power and the depths of scandal. Key moments, such as the reign of King Richard the Lionheart and the subsequent battles of succession, shaped the monarchy’s role in English society.

The Tudors: A Dynasty Shaped by Reformation and Rivalry

The Tudor dynasty, with its dramatic rise and fall, is perhaps one of the most captivating chapters in the history of the British royal family. Under Henry VII, the Tudors began their rule in 1485, with Henry VIII’s infamous break from the Roman Catholic Church marking a pivotal shift in both religious and political landscapes.

Lacey’s deep understanding of the Tudor period sheds light on the complexities of Henry VIII's reign, especially his six marriages and his quest for a male heir. His daughter, Elizabeth I, often described as one of the most successful monarchs in British history, became a towering figure in Lacey’s analysis. Elizabeth’s reign, often dubbed the Elizabethan Era, was a time of flourishing culture, exploration, and the consolidation of Protestantism in England. shutdown123