The exploits of the self-proclaimed King of Man will be screened on satellite television across the British Isles from next week.
Suddenly Royal premiered on the cable channel TLC in the US in September.
And next Wednesday (November 11) it will be shown on TLC’s UK channel, starting at 8pm.
Suddenly Royal follows David Drew Howe from Maryland and his family as they spend a summer in the island attempting, half in jest, to convince sceptical locals of his royal roots.
He posted a notice in the London Gazette year claiming legal right to the Manx crown.
When the newspaper notice went unchallenged, he crowned himself ‘undisputed’ King.
It’s a title abandoned 500 years ago by the Stanleys in favour of ‘Lord of Mann’, the current holder being, of course, the Queen, who Mr Howe insists is his cousin.
The heir apparent’s comic capers see him competing in Castletown’s Tin Bath races and taking a high speed ride around the TT course.
It soon becomes clear, however, that the man who would be King has his work cut out to win the support of island residents.
He admits: ‘Even though officially I’m the King, it doesn’t really mean anything unless we can win the people of the Isle of Man over’.
King Drew’s hopes of finally winning acceptance are dashed when Pam and Grace tell him they are not prepared to move to the island full-time.
Looking out over the coast from Bradda Head, Pam remarks: ‘Honestly, I don’t think I have ever seen anywhere as pretty as here.’
TLC is available on the Sky satellite system on channel 125.
Source: IOM Today
