Richard II is a vain, self-indulgent man who rules with little regard for his people’s welfare. He is ultimately overthrown by his cousin Bolingbroke, who ascends the throne as Henry IV (Jeremy Irons). In this scene from the Shakespeare history play, King Richard (Ben Whishaw) relinquishes the crown to Henry Bolingbroke (Rory Kinnear). Richard II, the first installment of “The Hollow Crown” premieres Friday, September 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).
