My Lady Jane Ending, Explained

Prime Video’s latest historical romance, My Lady Jane, made its debut on June 27, 2024. Since then, it has had viewers hooked on the politics of the English court, the struggle for power, and, of course, the steamy romance between Lady Jane Grey and the dashing Guildford Dudley. The series is an adaptation of a novel authored by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand and has been created for screens by Gemma Burgess.

My Lady Jane is based on the historical character, Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for a period of nine days. At the conclusion of her reign, Queen Jane was beheaded. However, the series is in no way a retelling of the actual Lady Jane Grey’s story. It is, instead, a reimagining of the narrative. The Amazon series replaces much of the factual with the fictional, such as substituting Catholics and Protestants with Ethians and Verities, and, in doing so, packs quite a punch in terms of drama, tension, politics, and romance.

Does Lady Jane Die?

Similarly to her real-life counterpart, Prime Video’s Lady Jane is sentenced to death at the end of her reign as Queen. However, unlike the real Lady Jane, who was beheaded along with Guildford Dudley on orders of Queen Mary I, Amazon’s Jane survives. Having faced backlash for attempting to abolish Division Laws and unite Verities and Ethians, Jane is initially put on trial for treason, and accused of obtaining the throne through wrongful means. The claim does not stand and Jane is held innocent.

However, just as her shackles are removed, another allegation is brought against her. This time, with proof in the form of a horse. She is accused of having knowingly married the Ethian Guildford Dudley and of having harbored the beast; a crime which warrants death. Unable and unwilling to denounce her husband, Jane accepts her fate and is sentenced to death by beheading, along with her husband, who is to be burned on a pyre. When all hope seems lost and Jane’s neck lays exposed on the chopping block, the series throws in a welcome twist. Ethians to the rescue! Jane and Guildford survive.

Do Jane and Guildford End Up Together?

With Guildford’s relentless pursuit of a cure for Ethianism and the guilt he harbors over the death of his mother, Jane and Guildford’s relationship is not without its problems. However, given that the duo were pushed into the marriage by their parents, problems were perhaps inevitable. Guildford’s only expectation from the marriage is to have Jane find him a cure, while Jane’s commitment is motivated by the Dudley family’s wealth; quite obviously not the ingredients needed for a successful, happy marriage.

However, the relationship evolves, and despite their differences, love blossoms between Jane and Guildford. In an enemies-to-lovers trope come true, the relationship perseveres even when Jane learns of Guildford’s Ethian identity. The love between them remains so steadfast that the duo go on to face execution together, although they escape the dire fate of their real-life counterparts thanks to the Ethians. In a truly apt turn of events, Guildford, who was previously unable to transform into his Ethian self, morphs into his horse form, and with Jane on his back, gallops off to safety.

What Happens to Mary?

Despite Jane’s victory in escaping execution, the battle is not yet over. The season ends on an inconclusive note, with Jane refusing Guildford’s offer to escape England. Queen Mary still sits on the throne, and Jane’s family and those who supported her remain at the mercy of the power-hungry Queen. Given the show’s decision to stray from real-life events in the series, viewers can hope for a follow-up season in which Jane takes the vengeful Queen down.

Queen Mary’s position on the throne is further challenged by the fact that King Edward is alive. At the end of Season 1, nobody at court, except for Charles, appears to be aware that the former King is not dead. If Queen Mary is ousted, the issue of who claims the throne next arises, although it is highly likely that Jane will concede the throne to her cousin.

In the event that Edward reclaims his position as King, he will also have to take into account the promise that he made to Ethians; the promise that he will unite both factions. Given that his cousin Jane’s attempt to do so almost led to her execution, the future is daunting for Edward — especially given that, if his Granny is correct, he may be Ethian himself.

Do the Ethians and Verities Make Peace?

Although Jane as Queen tried ardently to create unity between Ethians and Verities, her efforts were futile. The English court never accepts Ethianism and Jane’s attempt to abolish Division Laws is not well met. However, the “free Queen Jane” chants outside the castle walls while Jane is imprisoned in the Tower of London allude to the fact that there may be a change in the public’s attitude towards Ethianism.

Related

10 Period Romance Movies We Can’t Live Without

These period romances can be cathartic in the midst of modern life’s stresses.

The fact that Queen Mary’s attempt to execute Jane and Guildford was foiled by none other than Ethians also does not bode well for the faction. Mary is sure to return with a vengeance, even more determined to wipe out Ethianism from England. While the Ethians have some support from those such as Jane and Edward, and even Edward’s sister, Bess, who turns out to be Ethian herself, the deep-rooted division between Ethians and Verities is still prevalent. With Edward now associated with the Ethians, Queen Mary may even use it as grounds for opposing Edward’s claim to the throne.

My Lady Jane, with its unique reimagining of the real-life Jane Grey’s story, has now firmly established itself as a favorite of historical romance lovers. Given that Season 1 ended on an inconclusive note, leaving many loose threads for a follow-up season to tie up, fans are fairly certain that Amazon will renew the show for a second season. However, at the time of writing, Amazon has not offered any official confirmation regarding a possible Season 2 of the series.