A United Kingdom

"The true story of a love that shook an empire"

Feb 10 2017 PG-13 1h 51m
Biography, Drama, History

The inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments. Seretse and Ruth defied family, Apartheid and empire - their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world.

Plot

In the late 1940s, Prince Seretse Khama of Bechuanaland is studying law in Britain in preparation for his eventual ascension to the throne. There, the dashing prince falls in love with a white British clerk, Ruth Williams, and they plan to marry. While they suspect that his uncle, the Regent, would disapprove, nothing prepares them for the diplomatic firestorm and domestic political tumult their defiant love would spark. Now facing a citizenry leery of a white Briton as their Queen, the international opposition is even more unyielding from the British holding their land as a protectorate and fearful of South Africa's racist backlash to this affront to their apartheid domination. Against all odds, King Khama and Ruth must struggle to maintain their love and help their people in a land that would become the Republic of Botswana.

Written by

Guy Hibbert, Susan Williams

Directed by

Amma Asante

Production Countries

United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Czech Republic

Production Companies

Film United, Perfect Weekend, Harbinger Pictures, BFI Film Fund, Yoruba Saxon Productions, Pathé

Languages

English

Awards

6 wins & 5 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
17,676
Average Rating
6.9 out of 10
Metascore
65
Popularity
NA