
Keira Knightley is the protagonist in the period drama The Duchess (Image: THE DUCHESS)
Keira Knightleyâs portrayal of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire, is now streaming on BBC iPlayer, and the âremarkableâ true story behind the 2008 period drama has left viewers flocking to Wikipedia to find out more about the aristocrat and who was trapped in a failed marriage in the 18th Century.
The Duchess is based on Amanda Foremanâs bestselling novel, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. The film and book follow the Duchess as she endures living with her husbandâs (played by Ralph Fiennes) mistress while falling in love with a young politician named Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper).
Addressing the role, Keira told female.com: âIâd never heard of her before, no. So the script came through my door with three very large, huge white ostrich feathers attached, with a gold ribbon. And I thought, âOh, I donât care what it is. Thatâs fantastic.â

Keira Knightley Keira Knightley plays Georgiana (Image: Publicity Free Pic)
âThen I read it, and I know I just thought that she was fabulous and a fascinating character, this idea of this woman whoâs politically so influential, this huge fashion icon, such a force of nature, and yet privately is somebody who is so intensely vulnerable and incredibly lonely.â
With the film now streaming on BBC iPlayer, fans have heaped praise on the adaptation. One 10-star reviewer penned on Rotten Tomatoes: âI loved this movie. It really brought to life what the Duchess went through in real life. The acting was great, as were the characters. The only thing I didnât like was that the issue wasnât solved.â
A second added, âVery interesting movie, and I loved the drama. When I watched it, I did not realise it was based on a true story until the end.â
A third remarked: âA beautiful and well-acted film about a terrible and true story that reminds us somewhat of the story of Lady Di. Keira Knightley is beautiful to die for in a very beautiful role. A nice moment of a princess in a strong and popular glass tower.â
Someone else said: âA must-see in womenâs history month. Knightley gives an incredibly emotive performance portraying a woman trapped in an abusive, unloving marriage.â
âRemarkable story about the Duchess â well beyond her years,â another fan shared. Meanwhile, a sixth person echoed: âItâs the most phenomenal film Iâve seen in years. I just drew you in. I loved every second of it.â
The Duchess is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.



