Royal Autopsy

What was the ultimate cause of death of Britain's ‘Merry Monarch’, King Charles II? Professor Alice Roberts explores his final dying days in this fascinating history documentary. An 'as real' postmortem exam on the dead king, reveals a man who appears to have suffered some degree of torture, having been burnt and bled, with a stomach showing traces of many poisonous plants.

Queen Elizabeth I was reputed to be a strong, dependable British monarch. But, as Professor Alice Roberts discovers in this engrossing history documentary, that might not be the full story. An 'as real' autopsy on the dead queen reveals a frail women riddled with various infections and diseases, including a mental disorder that could be responsible for her reported ‘melancholy’.

George IV was known for a life full of drink, drugs and debauchery. Professor Alice Roberts is challenged to see which of his many ailments actually killed him. Following an ‘as real’ autopsy, she takes her findings to leading medical and historical experts for analysis, exploring the cause and symptoms of a wide range of conditions brought on by a life of outrageous excess.

Professor Alice Roberts explores the final dying days and ultimate cause of death of Queen Mary I, daughter of Tudor king Henry VIII and better known as Bloody Mary. Following an ‘as real’ autopsy, she discovers a woman plagued by a range of gynecological issues. But she reveals her death was eventually down to an illness not too dissimilar to our recent pandemic.

Henry IV, who was King of England from 1399-1413, is best known for usurping and murdering his cousin Richard II. Alice Roberts brings her historical insight and expertise to piece together Henry’s final dying days, using a unique combination of an ‘as-real’ autopsy and dramatic reconstructions. She discovers a mysterious debilitating skin condition that may have hastened his demise.

Anne was England’s Queen from 1702 to 1714, and the last of the Stuart line. Desperate to produce an heir, she shockingly endured 17 failed pregnancies. Alice Roberts investigates the life and death of Britain’s forgotten queen. She discovers a woman who suffered with obstetric issues, exploring the root cause of her many miscarriages, alongside her significant joint pain and mobility problems.