What’s it called?
The Windsors
What’s it about?
The Windsors aka the House of Windsor aka Royal Family. Only not really: it’s actually a comedy in which the Royal Fam are royally (and cruelly) sent up through a series of sketches in which they’re played by lookalikes. “Rude, crude and a real blast of punk comedy,” according to one English broadsheet (the Daily Telegraph, if you must know).
What’s so good about it?
Its main recommendation is that it’s very funny but it also manages to be topical. It can’t be bang up to date, but the rift between Harry and Meghan and the senior royals and Prince Andrew’s ongoing problems with, well, everything really are covered in typically satirical fashion. All episodes of series three are now available to stream for free on All 4, Chanel 4’s video on demand platform.
Who’s in it?
Harry Enfield stars (and looks like he’s having the time of his life) as Prince Charles, while comedy stalwarts Vicki Pepperdine and Haydn Gwynne play Anne and Camilla respectively (though not respectfully). The so-called Fab Four – William, Kate, Harry and Meghan – are played by Hugh Skinner (Will from W1A), Louise Ford, Tom Durant-Pritchard and Kathryn Drysdale. The other minor royals (plus Pippa) are all present and incorrect, and there are glorious cameos from time to time from Miriam Margolyes and Paul Whitehouse, who dispense wisdom, criticism and insults as talking portraits on the walls of Buck House – Margolyes as Queen Victoria, Whitehouse as George III.
Best bits
In episode one of the first series, Charles organises a strike – only for Wills to turn scab and agree to open the Chelsea Flower Show.
For fans of ...
The Crown, Dead Ringers, Spitting Image
Britain's 'love affair' with royals is a sick S&M relationship
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