The Royals Finale: William Moseley Breaks Down Biggest Cliffhangers, Looks Ahead to Potential Fifth Season
King Robert’s wedding day finally arrived on Sunday’s season finale of The Royals, presenting his family with the perfect opportunity to expose him in front of the entire world.
Unfortunately, the plan — which was for Willow to hijack the ceremony and announce that Robert caused the blackout — hit a slight snag when the bride decided not to blow up her fiancé’s spot, choosing instead to say her vows and become the new Queen of England.
And that wasn’t the hour’s only big surprise. In addition to Eleanor and Jasper kinda-sorta getting engaged, the Royal Wedding also inspired Violet to re-enter the picture, much to Cyrus’ joyful disbelief. As for Kathryn, who appeared to have been kidnapped in the episode’s final moments, she’s got a royal bun in the oven — but is it definitely Liam’s?
Below, star William Moseley helps TVLine make sense of the finale’s biggest twists, even sharing his thoughts on Liam potentially becoming a father:
WILLOW’S DECISION | “It definitely leaves a huge dot dot dot at the end of the season,” Moseley says of Willow’s choice to go rogue and actually marry Robert. “Her motivations are ambiguous, of course, but I think she might have joined the dark side. I really do think she and Robert would be a formidable team. You could also maybe presume that Robert knew about [his family’s plan] and pulled Willow into it way before. I think it was an ending that no one would expect — they probably assumed someone would get shot, or maybe someone would get caught in the crossfire and die, so for it to end with her just saying ‘I do’ was very epic. I’m so excited to see the audience’s reaction.”
JASPER & ELEANOR’S PRE-ENGAGEMENT | Not only is Moseley thrilled about a potential Jasper-Eleanor wedding, but as he points out, “I don’t think Jasper has many friends, so I would hope that he would choose Liam to be his best man. They have a great bond. They’re almost brothers in a way. They show true loyalty to each other, and they both want the other to be happy. There’s actually a really nice relationship between the three of them — Liam, Jasper and Eleanor — and I only see it getting stronger if the show goes forward.”
VIOLET’S RETURN | “I think she’s a welcome addition to the royal family, because she’s kind and loving and brings a fresh energy — kind of in the way that Kathryn does,” Moseley says. “And I do think Cyrus could change, but he’s the comic, scandalous edge to our show and I don’t really see him ever becoming straight-laced. Other than Liam, I think he’s my favorite character. He’s wild and audacious and he refuses to apologize for being himself. I think there’s space for the loving Cyrus and space for the scandalous Cyrus.”
KATHRYN’S PREGNANCY | “That was something that was in the air since the end of the third season,” Moseley reminds us. “There was a little note on the board in her apartment that left the audience to think maybe she could be pregnant. And then we find out that she is, but the question is: Whose baby is it? If it’s Liam’s child, that creates problems for Robert, and if it’s Robert’s child, that creates huge friction between the brothers — and she’d be carrying the king’s child, which would be a huge deal. What would that mean for her? And what would that mean for Willow and Robert? There are a lot of questions.”
KATHRYN’S KIDNAPPING | “Kathryn’s always been a linchpin between the two brothers,” Moseley says. “Robert presumably still has an affection for her — a lust for her, as opposed to actually seeing a future with her — so I think Robert would easily try to take Kathryn away from Liam. He sees her as a toy, as his to play with. And that makes it very difficult for Liam, because he doesn’t see Kathryn that way at all. She’s someone he loves and cares about, and he sees a future with her.”
Your thoughts on Sunday’s Royals finale? Hopes for a potential fifth season? Grade the episode, then drop a comment below.
I’m not going to sleep until this gets renewed.
Fire some of the writers – Hated the final three minute of the ending – simply hated it – I am sick of Robert and the writers dragging this saga on with him. His character is out of place with the rest of the cast. Less focus on Willow and Robert – I predict your show wont last two more seasons if you keep this story line afloat. It would have made perfect since for a season ending cliff hanger for Willow to say “I don’t” then fade to black or if she had said “I . . . .” then fade to black. Get rid of Robert and Willow -there is so much more to write about that we would enjoy as viewers/fans if you got rid of the Robert as King story line.
Yeah – we get it – you hated it
Ok, I get you didn’t like it, to each his own. Just don’t watch the 5th season BUT please don’t ruin that possibility for those of us who DID like it!! Thank you
I love the show but the writings in the walk and there is very little chance for this show to be picked up for another season so ending things this way is pathetic and a diservice to the fans.
Of course it’s going to come on for a 5th season. Get over yourself.
This comment didn’t age well.
Totally agree! Ugh! Been watching since 1st season but I give up!
Totally agree and am really disappointed. I have been a loyal fan since the beginning and after the finale, I’m really not interested in seeing more “evil” Robert (and now I assume, the evil “Willow”) – this saga has been stretched to the max and now it’s just silly. Ugh, tired of watching “bad” people win and not suffer consequences.
Try expanding the characters of Jasper and Eleanor, Liam and Catherine and don’t forget Ted … focus on their goodness. Would be great to see more of Jasper and Eleanor’s love story and hey — how about the two of them as Queen and King?
In this show there is a man that took advantage of a girl with drug problems,self esteem, and that was with grief of losing his brother and blackmailed her to have sex when he wanted using an inexistent selftape. If this show were for people who cares about bad people not winning, Jasper would be in jail accused of sexual abuse and not becoming his story in a fairy tale and being sold as a good man because he “changed” for love
I agree completely Todd Anthony. They need a new writing staff. Robert’s overpresense has really ruined the show for me.
Well some of us 100% LOVE King Robert. He’s my favorite character on the show by far. Only character that seems to have some real nuance, which this show could do with more of.
Disagree with pretty much everything you wrote there. Robert is by far the most intriguing character and interesting plot line. The twist of I DO was fantastic. I say get rid of the boring characters (like Jasper)..give Elinor a bit more to work with (as she is another phenomenal actor) than stone faced Jasper…and perhaps stop playing pop music non stop in the background? Well I guess that probably won’t happen. I really hope the writers don’t let Robert go down without a BIG FIGHT. He should not be taken down easily. I’d love to see Willow go to the dark side too. This is a soap opera people, soap operas with nice characters and perfect happy endings are BORING.
Jasper is single-handedly the best character on the show. Robert is a complete waste of space.
i agree completely, I love king Robert, he is a king who does what he sees fit to do for the sake of the kingdom an not sit in parliament discussing an never having a solution. And i love the romance with Willow, its just the best.
But me my worst character is Catherine, the girl was sleeping with 2 brothers, nomatter how they make it seem like she is good, she is not.
Unfortunately its not getting renewed :( was hoping the end would wrap things up
you hoped it would wrap things up? seriously? the ending was absolute CRAP. it was horrible. you can’t end a show WITHOUT ACTUALLY ENDING IT. BULL CRAP.
well, how have the 4 years since you stopped sleeping work out for you?
Ahhhhhhh!! Yesssss!!! All hail the new King and Queen. I love Robert and Willow. Take bring it on, traitors!!🤘🤘😎😎😎
All Hail King Robert and Queen Willow! Bring on the backstabbing!
This season should have been about Robert’s takedown, but instead, the writers (who clearly are out of good ideas), decided to give us a filler season focussing on Robert’s continued rise with no repercussions. And zero That means that if this show gets renewed, we will most likely have to endure yet another season of Robert doing and getting whatever he wants, or of Willow looking like she wants to puke every time she’s around Robert of Liam losing his mind..At this point, I’m ambivalent about a 6th season.
Hated the final three minute of the ending – simply hated it – I am sick of Robert and the writers dragging this saga on with him. His character is out of place with the rest of the cast. Less focus on Willow and Robert – I predict your show wont last two more seasons if you keep this story line afloat.
Agree! So disappointed! I’m done
100% disagree. This season was about setting up Robert’s take down for season 5. Come on people, if it had a happy ending you would be BORED. Robert is a strong character with a lot of potential for every emotion under the sun. We need to see him FIGHT. His character deserves it.
I´ve been a loyal viewer since the beginning and this was the worst season finale they´ve had. All that build up and then absolutely nothing. I´m seriously considering whether i would watch it for another season if it is renewed. If they do not get renewed and thats all we are left with then it was a disappointment.
I agree – hated the finale – hated it. The way they built it up with Robert and Willow on one side and the rest of the fricken cast on the otherside is crap. Obviously Robert aka the writers can’t lock up the entire cast for treason. Simply stupid ending. It would have been a better ending if she had smile and said “I don’t” then fade to black
DISAGREE. Not everybody feels like you do. I loved that twist. Fantastic plot twist. Nice endings are boring.
Awesome show and I’ve been a fan since the first episode! William Moseley is perfect as Liam and I really like Alexandra Park as Elenor. This is E! Entertainment’s best show ever. Please give us a season 5!!!
YES to Season 5!!!!!!! How do we even wait that long for it to air after a finale like we just saw on Season 4?!?! I almost fell off the edge of my seat tonight! Another great job this year! Ahhh…..
Sadly, I didn’t love the finale. Nothing worthwhile happened, except for the lovely scene between Jasper and Eleanor in the church. Robert becoming a dictator in the 21st century in a country with Britain’s past no less is just very very hard to believe. Obviously, I’m not expecting the show to reflect reality but him being able to disband parliament, causing so much harm, probably having killed his own father (I’m still fuzzy about that) and not having to face any repercussions is just a bit too ridiculous. Not knowing where Willow’s loyalty really lies also wasn’t fun to watch… I’m not sure where this is headed and I’m wondering if the writers know at this point.
That’s my problem with this show. It seems like the writers keep changing their mind about the storyline as they go along. I’m pretty sure they were pursuing a certain angle with Robert’s story and then changed their mind in order to please all the Robert Willow shippers (who for some bizarre reason saw their relationship as the romance of the century), instead of making Robert face the fire. For example…..they dropped enough clues to make it look like Robert was trying to get Jasper killed. The angle with Jasper’s father being the shooter seemed like a ridiculous cop-out that made no sense. Also, Willow never seemed that into Robert for the entire season. I really hate when writers keep making up the plot and changing it as they go along. This season was very disappointing.
Fire some of the writers – Hated the final three minute of the ending – simply hated it – I am sick of Robert and the writers dragging this saga on with him. His character is out of place with the rest of the cast. Less focus on Willow and Robert – I predict your show wont last two more seasons if you keep this story line afloat. It would have made perfect since for a season ending cliff hanger for Willow to say “I don’t” then fade to black or if she had said “I . . . .” then fade to black. Get rid of Robert and Willow -there is so much more to write about that we would enjoy as viewers/fans if you got rid of the Robert as King story line.
DISAGREE. Robert as king story line is the ONLY story line that is truly fascinating to me. Luckily it seems the writers agree. #LONGLIVEKINGROBERT. I just hope they don’t make him all nice and good (and boring). Evil King Robert is AWESOME!
I’m still fairly certain that Robert did have Jasper shot and that was what Jasper’s Dad blackmailed Robert with (the scene sitting in his office chair) and made him knight Jasper ets or he’d expose the truth. But maybe I just misread that, we’ll see, hopefully.
I think that the writers can’t decide what to do so they leave certain stories open to different possibilities, which i find annoying.
Please fire some of the writers
I agree – hated the finale – hated it. The way they built it up with Robert and Willow on one side and the rest of the fricken cast on the otherside is crap. Obviously Robert aka the writers can’t lock up the entire cast for treason. Simply stupid ending. It would have been a better ending if Willow had smile and said “I don’t” then fade to black and made to wait until next year. Please fire some of the writers
Right. There are quite number of monarchists in the U.K., but the act of the king disbanding Parliament and taking total control without an impending nuclear holocaust in the making would have the Brits marching in the streets and the Scottish/Welsh clamoring for independence. The major power brokers in Parliament seem to have disappeared. We’ve watched the show from the beginning, and enjoy the dysfunctional royal characters. But fantasies of this sort have to be grounded in some sort of logic.
Robert didn’t kill his father. In season one there was an scene when Ted confessed Simon that he killed Robert because he wanted Simon to feel the same that he felt when his wife was murdered.That theory of Robert killing his father is just ridiculous and doesn’t make sense. Why would Ted a man that hated monarchy and wanted to destroy Royal family would be an ally of a member of the family that he wanted to destroy, especially if the plan is that Robert would become king?Ted didn’t want anymore kings.Why would Robert stay in an island and let his “ally” destroy the monarchy, then when he returned there would be any monarchy to be king?. Also Robert’s actor have said in interviews that when Robert returned he didn’t know that his father was death. And someone planning a plan like that would not returned just because he saw his girlfriend asking him a question. Also there is a scene of Robert alone being surprised when he discovered that Ted was the murderer and also a scene of him crying watching the video of his father being murdered.
No one ever asks us if WE watch anything & we’re the ultimate consumers with 9 grandkids,7 of whom also watch with us. How can you really tell whether your viewership is down unless you’re actually monitoring our house to see how many people are watching when the cable box is turned on? Bring back THE ROYALS with more than just ten measly episodes for season 5!!!!! It’s the best show on E!
I have loved this series all the way through but this season 4 finale lacked luster and imagination. They best figure out that we the audience are not uneducated morons. This show has truly captured many many wonderful people and has many of us waiting for Sunday evenings.
For once it would be nice if Schwann would have given us a meaty finale with high drama and a good lead in to next seasons issues.
I’m getting tired of the cheap soap opera lead ups and scene cuts. The writers seem lost and afraid to commit to a direction. You guys best wake up or you are going to loose a good following. Maybe Julian Fellowes can be consulted about this derailment and get things back on track. Given the note this ended on I would suggest a summer episode to smooth the feathers so December does t seem like such a long wait.
I love the idea of an episode this summer to smooth things over – Something was done when a season finale of “GRIMM” pissed the viewers off so much so that they ended up showing the first episode of the next season within weeks of the finale to settle the viewer revolt down for burning down an iconic center piece to the storyline. It succeeded.
Fire some of the writers – Hated the final three minute of the ending. I predict your show wont last two more seasons if you keep this story line afloat. It would have made perfect since for a season ending cliff hanger for Willow to say “I don’t” then fade to black or if she had said “I . . . .” then fade to black. Get rid of Robert and Willow -there is so much more to write about that we would enjoy as viewers/fans if you got rid of the Robert as King story line.
You don’t need to say this after every comment. We get it.
The Royals, I think Robert told Willow that if she did anything to stop the wedding or humiliate
him, he would kill her mother!
Please fire some of the writers.
Please kill off Jasper and give King Robert a very meaty plot line to work with. Diabolical Robert is freaking fantastic. Give us more!
Yeah, that is why she was so happy marrying him.
Is Ophelia coming back too?
This show used to be sexy hot. Not this season. Did allegations against Schwann cause the cool down? Not a good decision. That’s one of the reasons we watched.
I love the idea of an episode this summer to smooth things over – Something was done when a season finale of “GRIMM” pissed the viewers off so much so that they ended up showing the first episode of the next season within weeks of the finale to settle the viewer revolt down for burning down an iconic center piece to the storyline. It succeeded.
Fire some of the writers – Hated the final three minute of the ending. I predict your show wont last two more seasons if you keep this story line afloat. It would have made perfect since for a season ending cliff hanger for Willow to say “I don’t” then fade to black or if she had said “I . . . .” then fade to black. Get rid of Robert and Willow -there is so much more to write about that we would enjoy as viewers/fans if you got rid of the Robert as King story line.
DISAGREE. Keep Robert and Willow. Get rid of Jasper! Complex characters are the best!
Probably reading all the comments I am the only one, but I liked the finale
– Willow and Robert are married. is he honest or not? with him I can never tell. he is such an intriguing character, I’m always debating if he is total bad or there is some good in him. His feeling for Willow seems sincere. BTW Max Brown is so damn good
– Kathyn is pregnant OMG I didn’t expect that reveal. but there is no way it could be robert’s. Between s3 finale and s4 several months passed
-Lucius is out of prison , How? and for whos he is working?why he kidnapped Katheryne?
-Violet is back.Where she was? Why she came back now?
At least Jasper and Eleanor are happy, they grow so much together in this season
I really hope they get pick up for S5. This story is not over!
I totally didn’t catch that that was Lucius in the end! I had to go back and watch the last 3 minutes again. Hopefully he’s on the good side, he’s always had a fierce alliance to the Queen!!!
I liked the finale too!
Violet didn’t seem happy to see Cyrus, did she? It’s like someone hired her just to lure Cyrus out of the church. I thought maybe Robert had something planned, & he wanted Cyrus out of the way.
It was great to see Simon again! After the first season, I kept hoping they faked his death, but then it stuck.
I love this show. I re as really hope that even though there are issues with the creator of this show, that the powers that be will continue to let this story be told!
The Creator and Writer of this great show was fired due to sexual harassment. Let’s hope and pray someone will step in and take over so we can have a more seasons. I just as sick as everyone else with Robert’s character, but due to what happen during shooting their season I just glad we were able to see Season 4. I think Elizabeth Hurley has the most pull so write to her to voice keeping this show going.
I think it great Willow said I Do. I wonder if Willow’s family is setting the royals up for a fall for killing Dominique Stewart.
Right. Earlier it was suggested that Willow has her own agenda and isn’t the sweetie everyone supposes. Being part of the coup probably wasn’t worthwhile to her. If her goal is to revenge Dominique Stewart, then Robert may have offered that as an added incentive to say “I do.”
If there isn’t a season 5, and probably won’t be as the last few minutes seemed written by someone else, this is a cliffhanger. The audience was never told a lot or shown everything in the three previous seasons, but there were too many of these “holes” throughout this season. If no Season 5, I suspect Cyrus and Robert were the ones working together(Cyrus got Violet back) and both Liam and Jasper’s times are limited, as well as Eleanors.
I am hoping they have already been shooting season 5! I don’t think I can wait long to see what happens next!!!
Can not wait for season 5
I thought the finale was awesome. I really wasn’t sure which way Willow would go, but surely NOT going the way she went!! With that smile, I think she had it planned that way a while ago. There HAS to be a Season 5!!!!! Too many questions now. I don’t know the legalities, but with the firing of the creator, who owns the rights to continue?!? OMG, let us know already!! LOL
There is no way Kathryn could be knocked up with robert’s baby. Too much time has passed. She’d be heavily pregnant by now. And if they pretend those months were just mere days, I’m done
Worst finale for the show thus far. I wasn’t left wanting more like I normally do. My take on how things went down:
-Robert had an idea something was up because Elenor was acting shady.
-Robert uses Violet as a bargaining tool to get info out of Cyrus in order to foil the plan.
-Robert has something on Willow and is blackmailing her which is why the wedding went on without drama.
I’m over Robert as a whole. If they continue with him as a main, I’ll prob give up on the show. I watch for Jasper, Liam, and Elenor. There’s enough there with them and the queen mother do have some fun storylines with Robert being dead or locked up.
Let’s start with “I agree with your review”. A disappointing finale. The season ends with a fizzle. Basically a thinly veiled twist to perpetuate Robert as dictator (not king). He needs to be stopped. And there needs to be more than hope next season in dethroning Robert including dire consequences. I know the show is pure fiction but even fiction needs to reflect plausibility. It is simply too hard to believe one man outsmarts six, endlessly! And too many facets of the Takedown plan were too easily foiled. I agree the show should shift focus to the best characters: Liam, Eleanor & Jasper. Also current Queen is definitely full of storylines herself. But, let’s get real, 10 episodes is not a full season. Also, whomever suggested a summer episode (to fix the disaster ending) is spot on. Let’s see that bonus episode soon. Not too much to ask considering most shows air 2-hour finales.
Winegirl,
I agree with most of what you said, but also see the method behind the writers madness. See my two postings beneath to explain my reasoning. Plus, there are so many examples of megalomaniacs in real life to give credibility to the evil ones and evil they do just like on the show (and how they keep keeping on).
DISAGREE. Keep Robert and Willow. Get rid of Jasper! Jasper is boring as hell. Robert and Willow are complex and interesting. Complex characters are the best, and what keep you coming back for more.
Oh god. Robert din’t black mail her, she was so happy. And you have to watch this show with more attention. Do you really believe that a character, if you read the original pilot of the season was conceived as being a good guy, writers would change him to the point of being a psycho?. It is just smokescreen of the real villain.
Please don’t end this. It is a fantastic show. Funny romantic and suspenseful. Cancel some other crap on TV not this. This is a first for me to try and save a tv show
I love this show but so want jasper and elinor to get married! I want Liam to be king and dethrone Robert! I sure hope there is another season!
Please bring back “The Royals” for another season! Otherwise, we’ll never know if Willow has gone to the dark side or been threatened, or if Robert has gone to the light side. Can’t wait for more!
Love this series and I am definitely late to the party! There MUST be a season 5 – no question about it and that will be the end of me watching E! if it is discontinued ~ too many great characters, Elinor, Jasper, Liam, Elizabeth Hurley, Kathryn, and even Cyrus ~ just expose Robert for the slimeball, powermonger that he is and let him take stupid Willow with him when he disappears: Cyrus can arrange a plane crash to another deserted island where those Robert, the arse, and Willow, the inept schemer can argue forever? Please, new writers and long live JASPER!!!!
Yeah Jasper the sexual abuser. Kathryn is not a great character at all
Nope worst idea ever get and Liam should have connected waaaay sooner it was like they reconnect then literally 2 days later Roberts home, how are we supposed to believe their chemistry after 2 days