The White Queen is a stunningly rich tale of love and loss, seduction and deception, betrayal and murder, vibrantly woven through the stories of three different yet equally driven women, in their quest for power as they manipulate behind the scenes of history – Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort and Anne Neville.
The year is 1464 and England has been at war for nine years battling over who is the rightful King of England – it is a war between two sides of the same family, The House of York and The House of Lancaster.
Princess Elizabeth's engagement to Henry Tudor threatens to divide court loyalties. Richard knows he can no longer avoid the battle which will decide his fate as king. Margaret does not know whose side her husband will support, and fears for her son. As the final battle for the crown draws near, Elizabeth continues to plot to put her daughter on the throne whatever the outcome.
The future of the princes in the Tower is in Richard's hands: they are a threat to his reign but also to Margaret's hopes of seeing her son Henry Tudor on the throne. As Margaret plots the boys' removal, Anne is tormented by fears she has unwittingly sealed the princes' fate. Elizabeth, in sanctuary, is horrified to realise she has made a pact with her enemies and turns to witchcraft to punish the guilty.
After years of peace an untimely death once again engulfs Elizabeth in a fight for the throne. Trapped in sanctuary and threatened by those closest to her, Elizabeth is forced into an alliance with Margaret Beaufort. Suspicion and doubt poison the court, turning friends into enemies and family into murderers.
George's anger at losing the Warwick inheritance and his failure to capture the crown resurfaces, with horrific consequences. As the court divides, George openly accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft and Edward of murder. This is treason, and Edward must condemn his own brother to death. Elizabeth finally has revenge on those who killed her father, but it does not bring her comfort.
The crown is secure, but there is no peace at court. Elizabeth suffers more emotional turmoil as she loses those closest to her. Margaret Beaufort plans a political marriage to bring Henry home from exile - but has she met her match in Lord Stanley? Anne's marriage made her a traitor, so she is handed into George's care. His motives for keeping her away from court are questioned by Richard, who fears for Anne's safety.
