The Lost King

Philippa Langley faces disappointment as she loses a work promotion to a younger colleague. This event deeply affects her self-esteem and sets off a chain of struggles in her professional and personal life.

While attending a performance of Shakespeare's *Richard III*, Philippa becomes emotionally invested in the character's misunderstood narrative. She feels a connection to Richard, who has been vilified throughout history, and begins to search for deeper truths about his life.

Philippa seeks out the Richard III Society, where she finds a supportive community sharing her belief that Richard has been unjustly condemned. This society helps her channel her passion into researching the historical figure.

Philippa delves into historical accounts of Richard III's burial, discovering conflicting narratives about his final resting place. She learns of a shrine erected by Leicester's mayor in the 1600s, further igniting her determination to find the truth.

Concealing her intentions from her ex-husband John, Philippa attends a lecture in Leicester that focuses on Richard III. There, she meets Dr. Ashdown-Hill, who encourages her to search for Richard's remains potentially hidden in the city’s grounds.

During her exploration of Leicester, Philippa becomes convinced that an 'R' painted in a parking lot is an indication of Richard's burial site. This realization leads her to confide her plans to John, marking a pivotal moment in her quest.

Philippa reaches out to archaeologist Richard Buckley, initially met with skepticism. However, as funding cuts hit his project, he revisits Philippa's idea and agrees to explore the potential site linked to Robert Herrick's property.

With renewed enthusiasm, Philippa and Buckley approach the Leicester City Council for excavation support. Despite concerns about the amateur nature of the estimations, they successfully secure approval to dig on the potential burial site.

When initial excavations using ground-penetrating radar show no significant finds, funding for the project begins to dwindle. Undaunted, Philippa seeks crowd-funding through the Richard III Society, which revives the project's financial backing.

On the first day of the excavation, Philippa learns that her name is missing from the dig certificate. Regardless, she insists on digging at the 'R' site, where they unexpectedly discover human remains that could belong to Richard III.

As excavation continues, tensions escalate between Philippa and Richard Taylor, who attempts to take credit for the project. The discovery of the skeleton, which is later identified as Richard III, complicates matters further.

After further examination, the remains of the skeleton are confirmed to belong to Richard III, characterized by a notable spinal curvature and evidence of a fatal blow to the skull. This revelation cements Philippa’s role in the historical discovery.

In February 2013, the University of Leicester holds a press conference to announce their findings regarding Richard III. However, Philippa finds herself sidelined, despite her significant contributions to the project and discovery.

Philippa is eventually recognized for her relentless pursuit of the truth when she is awarded an MBE. This acknowledgment highlights her vital role in correcting historical misconceptions and honoring Richard III’s legacy.

In a final, emotional encounter, Richard appears to Philippa at Bosworth Field, thanking her for her effort to restore his legacy before he disappears. The film concludes with a ceremonial funeral in Leicester Cathedral, acknowledging his rightful place in history.