‘White Queen’ Sequel ‘The White Princess’ is Really Happening in 2017

Rebecca Ferguson as the original "White Queen". Who will star in the sequel series? (Photo: BBC/Starz)
Rebecca Ferguson as the original "White Queen". Who will star in the sequel series? (Photo: BBC/Starz)
Rebecca Ferguson as the original "White Queen". Who will star in the sequel series? (Photo: BBC/Starz)

Finally! After nearly three years of rumors, waffling and vague executive statements at press and promotional events, the sequel to The White Queen is actually happening!

Premium cable network Starz has officially commissioned The White Princess, based on best-selling author Philippa Gregory’s novel of the same name. The novel follows the story of Princess Elizabeth of York, daughter of White Queen Elizabeth Woodville, and focuses on her marriage to Henry Tudor (King Henry VII), which included the birth of multiple children, several rebellions and various other dramatic incidents.

Here’s the official word, straight from the Starz Twitter account:

It’s official - @PhilippaGBooks’ novel #TheWhitePrincess is coming to @Starz_Channel. https://t.co/3UOcgiFfa6

— The White Queen (@WQueen_Starz) February 9, 2016

The original White Queen was produced by the BBC and adapted three of Gregory’s other novels in her “Cousins’ War” series (The White Queen, The Red Queen and The Kingmaker’s Daughter) which followed the story of England’s War of the Roses from the perspective of three very different, very influential women.

The White Princess will apparently be comprised of eight episodes, and original White Queen writer Emma Frost will be returning to pen the script.

No word yet on whether any of original cast will be returning for this sequel, though several fan favorites (Aneurin Barnard, Max Irons, Faye Marsay, Janet McTeer) are all out of the running by virtue of the fact that their historical counterparts are all dead at this point in the story. However, several key figures from The White Queen could theoretically return, including Rebecca Ferguson (Elizabeth Woodville) and Amanda Hale (Margaret Beaufort). Fingers crossed!

The White Queen was a phenomenal performer at Starz," Starz managing director Carmi Zlotnik said in a statement. “There is a dearth of programming that tells women’s stories and The White Queen was embraced with great success by audiences worldwide. The passionate fanbase for Philippa Gregory’s historical novels are undeniable, and we are confident The White Princess will become the next must-see fandom drama series.”

The White Princess is expected to air in 2017.

Are you excited? 


Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

More to Love from Telly Visions