Hey guys! So, you're wondering about the cast of The Royals from the 2018 TV series, right? You came to the right place! This show was a wild ride, full of drama, scandal, and all the juicy stuff you'd expect from a fictional British monarchy. Let's dive into who was bringing these characters to life back in 2018.

The Reigning Monarchs and Their Heirs

At the heart of The Royals was the royal family itself. Leading the pack was Queen Helena, played brilliantly by Elizabeth Hurley. She was the formidable matriarch, constantly scheming and manipulating to keep her family and the crown in power. Hurley absolutely nailed the role, bringing a blend of icy control and underlying vulnerability to Helena. Her presence alone could command a scene, and she was definitely the driving force behind many of the show's dramatic twists. Remember her elaborate schemes? Yeah, that was all Helena, and Hurley made us love to hate her – or maybe just hate to love her.

Then we had King Simon, played by Vincent Regan. Before his untimely demise, he was the stoic, yet often conflicted, King. He represented a more traditional view of the monarchy, often clashing with Helena's modern, power-hungry approach. Regan brought a gravitas to the role, making you believe in his struggles with duty and family. His death was a major turning point for the series, shaking up the entire royal dynamic and setting the stage for even more chaos.

Stealing the spotlight, especially in 2018, were the royal siblings. Prince Liam, portrayed by William Moseley, was the 'golden boy' next in line. He was often caught between his duty to the crown and his desire for a normal life, not to mention his complicated love life. Moseley did a fantastic job of portraying Liam's internal conflicts and his journey from a somewhat naive prince to someone wrestling with the harsh realities of his position. You couldn't help but root for him, even when he made questionable decisions.

His sister, Princess Eleanor, played by Alexandra Park, was the wild child of the family. Eleanor was all about rebellion, parties, and pushing boundaries. Park brought an incredible energy to Eleanor, making her both infuriating and utterly compelling. Her struggles with addiction, her search for love, and her constant battles with her mother made her one of the most dynamic characters on the show. You never knew what Eleanor would do next, and that's what made her so captivating.

The Supporting Cast: Friends, Foes, and Fixers

Beyond the immediate royal family, The Royals had a stacked supporting cast that kept the storylines moving. Jasper Frost, played by Tom Austen, was the King's bodyguard and Eleanor's primary love interest. He was the mysterious, brooding type, always seemingly one step ahead. Austen brought a cool intensity to Jasper, making him a fan favorite. His relationship with Eleanor was a central focus, full of passion, danger, and drama. He was the bad boy with a good heart, or at least, that's what Eleanor (and many of us) hoped.

We can't forget Nપણે (played by Jake Maskall), the scheming and often ruthless brother to King Simon. He was constantly vying for the throne, making him a formidable antagonist. Maskall played Nપણે with a deliciously wicked charm, making him a classic villain you loved to despise. His ambition knew no bounds, and he was always stirring the pot.

Then there was Thierry de Poitiers, played by Manal el Desouki. While not as central as some, characters like Thierry added to the intricate web of relationships and power plays within the show. Every character, big or small, contributed to the overall narrative tapestry.

Ophelia Pryce, played by Merritt Patterson, was Liam's American girlfriend who got swept up in the royal chaos. Her outsider perspective offered a contrast to the established royal ways, and Patterson brought a relatable charm to the character as she navigated the treacherous waters of palace life and royal romance. Her storyline often highlighted the difficulties of bridging the gap between the common world and the insular world of royalty.

Cyrus's daughter, Maribel, played by Olivia Crocicchia, also added her own brand of drama. Her interactions with the other royals, especially Liam and Eleanor, often led to complicated situations. Crocicchia portrayed Maribel's ambition and sometimes manipulative nature effectively.

The Staff and Other Key Players

Every royal household needs its staff, and The Royals had them too, often caught in the crossfire of royal shenanigans. Henri, played by Poppy Delevingne, was another royal figure who brought intrigue and complex relationships into the mix. Characters like these, even if they weren't in every episode, were crucial for adding depth and complexity to the royal court. They were the eyes and ears within the palace walls, often privy to secrets and involved in schemes.

Remember Miss Hudson, played by Joelle Fryatt? She was one of the ladies-in-waiting, often serving as a confidante or an unwitting participant in the royal dramas. These characters provided a glimpse into the daily lives within the palace and the impact of the royals on those who served them.

Reflecting on the 2018 Season

Looking back at the 2018 season of The Royals, the cast was truly the engine that drove the show's success. The chemistry between the actors, particularly the core royal family and Eleanor and Jasper, was palpable. William Moseley and Alexandra Park, as Prince Liam and Princess Eleanor, had a compelling sibling dynamic that grounded the show amidst the outlandish plots. Tom Austen's portrayal of Jasper Frost provided a constant source of tension and romantic intrigue, especially in his relationship with Eleanor.

Elizabeth Hurley as Queen Helena was an absolute force. Her ability to switch from regal disdain to manipulative brilliance was captivating. She embodied the complex, often morally ambiguous, queen who would do anything for her children and her position. Vincent Regan, as King Simon, gave the show a sense of legitimacy and moral compass, making his eventual absence deeply felt. Jake Maskall as Cyrus was the perfect foil, embodying pure ambition and villainy with a flair that made him unforgettable.

The Royals wasn't afraid to be over-the-top, and the cast embraced it wholeheartedly. They committed to the drama, the humor, and the sheer absurdity of it all. This commitment made the show incredibly entertaining. Even the characters who weren't part of the main royal family, like Merritt Patterson's Ophelia Pryce or the various bodyguards and staff, played crucial roles in developing the narrative and providing different perspectives. The interactions between the 'outsiders' and the royals often highlighted the absurdity and the isolation of the monarchy.

So, if you were watching The Royals in 2018, you were treated to a fantastic ensemble cast that brought a fictional monarchy to life with all its flaws, glamour, and drama. It was a show that didn't take itself too seriously, and that was a huge part of its appeal, thanks to the brilliant performances from everyone involved. It's a testament to the casting directors that they assembled such a dynamic group of actors who could handle both the intense drama and the lighter, more comedic moments with equal skill. The show was a rollercoaster, and the cast was firmly in the driver's seat, taking us on a wild, unforgettable journey through the lives of the fictional British royals.