From Game of Thrones to Killing Eve, the Prince and Princess of Wales are big fans of TV – but one 92% rated espionage thriller has captured Princess Catherine’s attention
As the winter chill sets in, many of us are opting for cosy nights in front of the telly rather than braving the cold outdoors, and seems likely that Prince William and Kate Middleton are dooing something similar.
While Royal enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more appearances from the Prince and Princess of Wales, particularly as she marks a year of cancer remission this month, it’s likely that Catherine will be looking forward to some downtime at home.
However, as the Princess of Wales rings in her 44th birthday, there’s a bit of a dampener – no confirmed release date for the second series of one of her favourite TV shows, a spy thriller boasting an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Black Doves, a gripping espionage series masterminded by Joe Barton for Netflix, was one of December 2024’s standout hits and was greenlit for a second series before its inaugural season had even concluded.
The series, starring big names like Keira Knightley, Ben Wishaw, and Sarah Lancashire, revolves around a group of freelance spies whose cover is threatened. Black Doves zeroes in on undercover agent Helen Webb, portrayed by Oscar nominee Kiera Knightley, who finds her covert identity at risk after her lover is killed by figures within London’s criminal underworld.
The programme captivated audiences, with one typical response online stating: “I thought Black Doves on Netflix was pretty good and entertaining. Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw are great as a team of clandestine spies and assassins. Absolutely deserves the second season. Can’t wait.”
Another viewer gushed: “Black Doves was fantastic television. So damn good! !” A third added: “If you love a British political/espionage thriller, Black Doves is a masterpiece. Slick script, superb characters, smashing storyline. Heavy on irony and good old fashioned violence.”
This marks another occasion where William and Kate have revealed their television tastes. During a trip to the BAFTA offices in central London, where he discovered details about a bursary granted in his honour, William admitted his passion for the Jason Bourne series.
When encountering Paul Greengrass, who helmed three of the six films, William enthusiastically enquired “another Bourne, another Bourne”. The filmmaker allegedly replied with chuckling and a head shake.
Swiss filmmaker Edward Berger was linked to the project for several months but subsequently declared “It’s really not clear whether… I’m doing that film or not”. Currently, the prospects for William’s cherished Bourne franchise appear uncertain.
Another William and Catherine favourite facing an unclear future is the BBC’s hit series Killing Eve, starring Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh. During a 2019 visit to a BAFTA exhibition, William reportedly confessed his fondness for the series.
Show producer Sally Woodward Gentle and costume designer Phoebe de Gaye revealed that the prince “apparently… has watched it all”.
“He [Prince William] said he loved it. He talked about the dark humour of it, and Jodie [Comer] and Sandra [Oh], how amazing they both are. And he talked about the humour you get through the costumes, which is what Phoebe is so clever at,” Gentle disclosed.
Whilst the programme concluded with its fourth series in 2022, persistent speculation continues about a potential spin-off, possibly centred on the early years of Fiona Shaw’s character, Carolyn Martens.
Prince William has revealed that he and Kate, 42, were equally keen on watching episodes of Game of Thrones. The Royal pair even told actor Tom Wlaschiha, famous for playing Jaquan H’ghar in the drama, that they have “watched every series”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 1 in 2017, William declared their passion for the programme, describing them as “big fans” and advising: “You should definitely watch Game of Thrones, that’s worth watching.”
Beyond television, Prince William is recognised for his love of music, an interest he shares with his children, George and Charlotte. He disclosed on Apple’s Time To Walk podcast in December 2023 that the youngsters frequently bicker over song choices during their morning routines.
The musical inclinations of the Wales family were put in the spotlight when William, accompanied by Charlotte and George, made international headlines after snapping a selfie with pop superstar Taylor Swift. Marking his 42nd birthday, the future monarch was spotted having a grand time at Swift’s concert at Wembley Stadium with his children.