The Palace, ITV1

9:26am Tuesday 15th January 2008

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IT had to happen I suppose - a drama series that isn't based on the lives of the royal family, honest.

The Palace which began on ITV last night is the fictional account of a hypothetical monarchy in transition.

When the king dies, one of two partying princes is handed the crown but he isn't exactly Mr Popular with his subjects.

Then you've got his older sister who really wants to be queen - think Miranda Richardson in Blackadder and you get the picture.

Anyway, what you get is lots of tantrums and tiaras, but honestly, what a load of old tosh.

I don't think you can be sent to the Tower for criticising a spoof royal programmes so I should be OK. Actually, if you were in the Tower at least you'd be spared having to watch the next seven episodes which make up the series.

Sure, everything looks suitably glitzy - if anything these royals have too much bling - but it's more Dynasty than the story of a dynasty, if you catch my drift.

It's even more surprising when you look at the number of good actors in the cast list. Somehow I can't see Roy Marsden or Harriet Walter listing this as one of their finest small screen moments.

But, as we are a nation apparently addicted to soaps so no doutb plenty will tune in.

But considering what a soap opera the real live royals are, who needs TV?