About
The affair that shook Victorian society to its core: he was the Prince of Wales, the future monarch; she was a professional beauty, who became a royal bedmate. Follow the fascinating life of the Dean of Jersey's daughter from her modest childhood to her emergence as one of the most celebrated beauties of her time. Lillie's liaison with the heir to the throne marked only the beginning of a remarkable, scandalous and daring series of adventures in open defiance of accepted morality imposed by Victorian and Edwardian society.
Cast
Francesca Annis
as Emilie 'Lillie' Le Breton
Seasons
Episodes
Miniseries
Emelie
The fetching looks of beautiful tomboy Emilie Le Breton–preferably known as Lillie–attract the attention of many men on the British Island of Jersey–even those who arrive by accident. After a disastrous visit to London, Lillie falls for a local fisherman with whom she has a bit too much in common. Soon after the forbidden relationship, she accepts the marriage proposal of the wealthy Edward Langtry, a man who offers an escape from both her father and Jersey.
Mrs Langtry
Settling with husband Edward in her somber new Southampton home, Lillie finds less freedom now than she did on Jersey. Worse, Edward's riches have long been spent. After a life-threatening illness and a bit of trickery, Lillie and Edward move to London where Lillie gets her first delicious taste of upper-crust society. However, tragedy forces Lillie's return to Jersey. Her beloved brother Reggie suffers a fatal accident, causing her intense grief and unrelenting guilt.
The Jersey Lily
Lillie's radiant beauty creates a sensation in London's social circles. She is now a 'professional beauty', a fashionable society woman whose every movement becomes a matter of public interest. Lillie graces magazine covers and becomes highly sought after by artists, photographers, writers, hostesses–and visiting dignitary King Leopold of the Belgians. While Lillie is highly celebrated, little do the wags know that this beauty has but one simple black dress to her name.
The New Helen
Although Lillie hasn't requited his attention, King Leopold, like many others, is enthralled by her charm and beauty. His daily early morning visits to her home abruptly conclude when his advances are flatly rejected. But will this royal snub stunt Lillie's climb up society's ladder? A reception at the palatial home of Lord Suffield will answer without a doubt. With her place assured, Lillie goes about impressing another set of royals, who select her for introduction to the Prince of Wales.
Bertie
Despite being an icon of beauty and glamour, Lillie's marriage to Edward is a loveless farce. Although Edward attempts to improve her surroundings, wardrobe and lifestyle, Lillie's heart has found another. She becomes close to 'Bertie', the Prince of Wales, eliciting whispers of an illicit affair. After a brief return to Jersey, Lillie entertains the affections of lifelong friend Arthur Jones. But Lillie and the Prince can no longer exist apart, as she is now his mistress.
Let Them Say
Bertie, the Prince of Wales, has gone to great lengths to impress Lillie–even building her a country house in Bournemouth. When Austria's Crown Prince Rudolf pays an official visit to London, Lillie becomes the focus of his impetuous nature. His behaviour doesn't sit will with Lillie or Bertie, and Rudolf is unceremoniously banished from the country. A short time later, after a cold public reception from Queen Victoria, Lillie retreats to her country home with Arthur. While her love for him grows, she cannot bear to leave the royal spotlight for Jersey's provincial obscurity.
The Sailor Prince
Lillie's social success continues despite brewing public scandal over her illicit affair with Bertie. But a new Prince has arrived, Bertie's nephew Prince Louis of Battenberg. The attraction is mutual and Lillie is now involved with a pair of Princes. When Bertie forbids Louis to marry Lillie, she coldly agrees. But she hatches a plan to afford herself a more comfortable financial position: she will take to the stage, become an actress, and earn enough to support herself.
Going on the Stage
Lillie is pregnant following a brief affair with Prince Louis. After being out in Jersey with Arthur, Lillie secretly gives birth in Paris. Even after the illegitimate child's arrival, Edward refuses to grant a divorce, and forces Lillie to support him by beginning her theatrical career on the London stage. Arthur is bitterly disappointed, realising his love for Lillie is unrequited and the two will never wed. Lillie is about to set sail for an American theatrical tour when she learns the disheartening news that Prince Louis will dock in Liverpool–just hours after her departure.
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