Spain’s Diagonal TV preps monarchy drama with journalist Sergio Vila-Sanjuán

Sergio Vila-Sanjuán

La Catedral Del Mar producer Diagonal TV has partnered with journalist and novelist Sergio Vila-Sanjuán to dramatise a new series based on the Spanish monarchy.

Royal Palace: Brilliance And Tragedy Of The Spanish Monarchy follows the trajectory of four generations of the Bourbon family, between 1900 and 2014.

The 22-episode series from Banijay Iberia-owned Diagonal will use Vila-Sanjuán’s research to dramatise biographical and historical circumstances from the year 1900, depicting the reigns of Alfonso XIII, Don Juan de Borbón and Juan Carlos I, until the abdication in favour of his son Felipe VI.

Vila-Sanjuán said: “There’s an enormous responsibility when developing a story around true events, especially as we follow a Monarchy with exceptional destinies and outstanding virtues, but like any humans, they made mistakes. These errors had massive consequences for their country and this fascinating story will leave viewers gripped.”

Jaume Banacolocha, CEO of Diagonal TV, added: “Diagonal has vast experience in creating series telling the vicissitudes of the Spanish monarchy, and this project will further build our expertise. Collaborating with Sergio Vila-Sanjuán will allow us to confidently produce an accurate and moving series, and we are expecting huge interest from broadcasters to pick up the show.”

Diagonal TV is behind scripted series including Isabel (TVE), Atresmedia and Netflix’s La Catedral del Mar and the forthcoming Los Herederos De La Tierra, which is also for the streamer.