The White Queen's Philippa Gregory & Max Irons

In 15th century England, against the backdrop of the War of the Roses, three women, Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort and Anne Neville, are caught up in the brutal battle for the throne. British writer Philippa Gregory chronicled their stories in her bestselling The Cousins' War series of historical novels, which is now the basis of a ten-part drama from Company Pictures.

The White Queen, starring Max Irons as the young King Edward IV, premiered on BBC One earlier this summer and is set to roll out in the U.S. on Starz in August, with Starz Worldwide Distribution representing the rights in most international markets.

World Screen caught up with Gregory and Irons to discuss the challenges and rewards of period drama, and the world's enduring fascination with British royalty.