Royal Autopsy is coming to BLAZE: Here's everything you need to know + an exclusive interview
Take a trip back in time as two experts investigate the deaths of some of Britain's most iconic British monarchs, using modern forensic techniques and medical expertise to shed light on the circumstances surrounding their demise. Going behind the scenes, the Freesat Team had the chance to find out a little bit more about the series, how it works, and what you can expect to see...
What’s Royal Autopsy about?
Combining modern forensic analysis, pathology expertise, CSI techniques, historical investigation, and dramatic reconstruction,
Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and shed new light on the lives and legacies of these influential figures, while bring history to life with a blend of prosthetic bodies, skilled actors, toxicology testing, and forensic analysis, while those at home also get to watch cutting-edge reconstructions based on historical medical records.
But it's not for the squeamish! Using a combination of prosthetic bodies, actors, and ethically sourced animal organs alongside detailed historical research to reach a conclusion on how they died, each gripping episode sees Professor Alice Roberts and Dr. Brett Lockyer uncover the hidden details of these rulers' final moments.
Q: The difference between doing a royal autopsy versus a normal autopsy – do you think there are any stark differences between like the reports and investigations that you've done?
Dr Brett:
"So the difference between a royal autopsy and everyday autopsy is for me, it's, I really enjoy it because it's kind of pulling in history. Of course, in my modern day job, I get a history, but I certainly don't get a history that's so elaborate as we have with these monarchs that we've been examining. So that is a major difference. And the other thing I quite like as well is obviously a lot of the medical stuff they did back then we don't do now. So, it's quite educational for me to learn about all the different things that the poor monarchs were subject to by their doctors."
Professor Alice:
"It's really fascinating, isn't it? Because, as Brett says, it allows you to go off and explore history, I think in a very different way. And we're looking at this very kind of focused bit of history. So we're looking at the very end of those those monarchs lives and looking at the documentary evidence that we've got, and people suggesting causes of death and that kind of thing at the time. But we're always say you're actually interested in the whole life because you've you've got to know the medical history from birth to death, if you can. And then that spills out into wider discussions about what medicine was like at the time, but also, wider history, what politics were happening and that kind of thing. It's a really interesting mix of medicine and history, I think."
Who are the monarchs investigated in Royal Autopsy?
Each episode explores fascinating new insights into the lives—and deaths—of some of British history's most iconic figures, including:
Charles II – Known for his scandalous lifestyle and controversial death.
Elizabeth I – A powerful and enigmatic ruler whose death still remains shrouded in mystery.
George IV: The Party King – A flamboyant and controversial monarch whose reign was marked by extravagance and scandal
Mary I: Bloody Mary – Known as "Bloody Mary" for her persecution of Protestants, her death was a pivotal moment in the English Reformation.
Henry IV: The Usurper – A controversial king whose reign was marked by violence and intrigue.
Anne: The Forgotten Queen – The last monarch of the Stuart dynasty, whose death was a significant event in British history.
When is Royal Autopsy on TV?
Don't miss Royal Autopsy on BLAZE (Freesat Channel 162), starts Sunday 20th October at 9pm. This captivating series promises to offer a fresh perspective on some of the most intriguing deaths in British history.
Juanita Wyght
