The White Queen (novel)
| Company type | Historical novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Philippa Gregory |
| Products | Novel |
The White Queen is a 2009 historical novel authored by Philippa Gregory, marking the opening installment of her The Cousins' War series. The story focuses on Elizabeth Woodville, who became queen consort to King Edward IV of England. This book served as the basis for a 2013 BBC One ten-episode television adaptation, which merges elements from Gregory's The White Queen, The Red Queen (2010), and The Kingmaker's Daughter (2012). Actress Rebecca Ferguson portrays Elizabeth Woodville in the series.
Expanding on the series' historical narrative, Gregory's 2011 novel The Lady of the Rivers acts as a prequel, narrated from the perspective of Elizabeth’s mother, Jacquetta of Luxembourg.
Plot
Following the death of her husband, young Lady Elizabeth Grey appeals to King Edward IV for assistance in reclaiming her late spouse’s estate on behalf of their sons, leading to an immediate romantic connection. They wed in secret, provoking opposition from Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, who had supported Edward’s rise to power with the expectation of influence. To bolster Edward’s position against Warwick, Elizabeth’s mother, Jacquetta, arranges advantageous marriages and secures key roles for their family members.
Elizabeth and Edward have three daughters together. Warwick initiates a rebellion, endorsing Edward’s younger sibling, George, Duke of Clarence, as a rival claimant to the throne. Edward successfully thwarts this conspiracy and reconciles with both Warwick and George; however, not before Warwick executes Elizabeth’s father and brother. In response, Elizabeth vows retribution.
Warwick strengthens his alliance by marrying his eldest daughter Isabel to George and reignites his rebellion with plans to assassinate Edward. The attempt fails, forcing Warwick and George to seek refuge in France. There, Warwick arranges for his second daughter Anne to wed Edward of Lancaster, son of the deposed Henry VI, aligning with Margaret of Anjou. Warwick then invades England; Edward escapes to Flanders accompanied by Elizabeth’s brother Anthony. Warwick has Jacquetta imprisoned on charges of witchcraft but she is released following Margaret’s intervention.
Jacquetta joins a pregnant Elizabeth who has taken sanctuary at Westminster Abbey, where Elizabeth gives birth to Edward’s son, Edward V. Upon Edward IV’s return, he defeats Warwick—who is killed—and Margaret’s forces. Edward of Lancaster dies in battle; shortly after, Edward IV executes the captive Henry VI, extinguishing Lancastrian claims.
Despite restored peace in England, George conspires against Edward. Their brother Richard marries the widowed Anne Neville and opposes Edward’s peace treaty with France over disputed English territories. The death of Isabel drives George into open treason; despite protests from their mother Cecily, Edward orders George’s execution. After Edward IV dies, Richard becomes guardian to his nephews Edward and Richard despite objections from Elizabeth.
Richard seizes custody of young Edward from Anthony; meanwhile, Elizabeth sends away a page boy disguised as her younger son and secretly dispatches the real child to Flanders under an alias. Richard declares that Edward and Elizabeth’s marriage was invalid and crowns himself King Richard III.
Elizabeth plots with her brother-in-law, the Duke of Buckingham, and Margaret Beaufort—the mother of exiled Lancastrian Henry Tudor—to depose Richard and secure the freedom of the princes held in the Tower. They arrange a betrothal between Tudor and Elizabeth’s eldest daughter to rally Yorkist support. The princes disappear under mysterious circumstances and are presumed murdered; Elizabeth suspects Buckingham, Margaret, and Henry more than Richard.
Leaving sanctuary behind, Elizabeth sends her daughters to serve as ladies-in-waiting to Queen Anne at Richard’s court. After Anne and her son Edward die, Richard develops feelings for the younger Elizabeth but postpones marriage out of concern for losing backing from northern nobles. Meanwhile, Henry Tudor’s forces land in England.
Critical reception
Publishers Weekly commended Gregory's global acclaim for her vivid portrayal of themes such as passion, violence, love, and betrayal within the Tudor era. The review emphasized her integration of personal relationships, political scheming, military confrontations, and elements of the supernatural. It praised her sensitive rendering of Elizabeth in her later years alongside a striking depiction of the stagnation caused by war, though it noted that the novel "might not feel as original as her previous works." Maureen Waller from The Telegraph called the book "captivating," highlighting its "fascinating" protagonist and applauding Gregory’s adeptness in illustrating the female dynastic power struggles.
The White Queen is offered as an audiobook in both abridged form, narrated by Bianca Amato, and unabridged version, narrated by Susan Lyons. According to AudioFile, Gregory enjoys considerable popularity in the United States and the novel effectively combines historical detail with romance and political intrigue. The publication praised Amato’s narration for being "strong and convincingly authentic" and described Lyons’ delivery as "majestic" and "confident."
Adaptations
- The White Queen (2013), a television drama directed by Colin Teague, James Kent, and Jamie Payne, adapts the novels The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker's Daughter.