The Duchess (2008)

Before Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex, British beauty Keira Knightley played The Duchess (2008). Not to be confused with the Netflix sitcom The Duchess (2020), Saul Dibb’s costume drama is set in the cleavage-heavy 18th-century. Based on Amanda Foreman’s non-fiction book “Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire” (1998), the PG-13 rated pic has the regally-named Ms. Knightley portraying the real life ancestor of the former Princess of Wales: Diana Spencer. In her time, Georgiana earned a reputation for her liberal lifestyle and support of the American and French Revolutions. Of course, there were rebellions brewing at her own home since the Duchess was caught in a love triangle with her husband, William Cavendish (Ralph Fiennes), the 5th Duke of Devonshire, and his mistress Lady Elizabeth Foster (Hayley Atwell). Making matters even more complex is the fact that Liz was also Georgiana’s best friend. Maybe that’s why the Duchess turned the love triangle into a rectangle by flinging with Earl Grey (Charles Grey). With a name like that, we wonder if their affair included tea-bagging! The lavish movie includes Charlotte Rampling, Georgia King, and Ms. Knightley’s sleek physique! On the Duchess’s wedding night, Keira takes it all off except for her thigh-high stockings. While bedding her hubby with a chubby, the innocent brunette lets us peek at her naked peaks. Indeed, this costume drama is at its best when the cast is wearing less. So, imagine our surprise when The Duchess won an Oscar and a BAFTA award for Best Costume Design. Irony!