The Lion in Winter is loosely based on the true story of Henry II of England and his family. Henry II lived during the 12th century and ruled England from 1154-1189. Before ever becoming King of England, Henry already owned both Normandy and Anjou in France, and when he married Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152 he gained her lands, including Aquitaine, Touraine, and Gascony.

With the gain of Eleanor's lands, Henry became even more powerful than King Louis VII of France, Eleanor's ex-husband. Henry and Eleanor had eight children together, including the three sons-Richard, Geoffrey, and John-seen in this film. The other children either died young or were girls.

Henry and Eleanor eventually had a falling out when she and his children plotted against him as he tried to steal land from his daughter, Joan. Henry had Eleanor imprisoned for plotting against him and began an affair with Rosamund...