8 Royal Documentaries To Watch Ahead Of The Coronation
With the coronation of King Charles just around the corner, there’s no better time to find a good royal documentary and learn more about the Royals and who they are. We’ve put together a list of the best that give insight into the monarchy and its contemporary history.
From multi-part series about the Windsors to in-depth looks at King Charles, Queen Elizabeth and other royals, you’ll find all you need to know about the modern royals and more.
The best royal documentaries to watch ahead of the Coronation
The Royal House of Windsor
As Charles becomes the latest member of the House of Windsor to be coronated, this documentary takes a fascinating look back at how the Royal Family we know as Windsor came to be. The current reigning house took succeeded the House of Hanover in 1901 after the death of Queen Victoria and was known as the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. During WWI, anti-German sentiment in Britain began rising, and so King George V switched names to create the House of Windsor. This six-part series documents this event as well as the abdication crisis in 1936, the lives of George VI, Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, the effects of Diana and her death on the monarchy, and the future of the crown under Charles.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime
Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70
Made in 2018 when then Prince Charles was marking his 70th birthday, Charles at 70 gives an insight into the man who would become King four years later. Filmed over 12 months, it uses behind-the-scenes access and interviews with Charles alongside Camilla, William, Kate and Harry. The aim is to look behind the public image at the man himself, detailing not just his preparations to ascend the throne but also his charity work and personal interests- particularly in environmental issues. It also chronicles his life up to that point, and previously unseen footage of the Queen and Charles in Buckingham Palace.
Watch it on: Apple TV
The Queen’s Coronation In Colour
Go back to 1953 and revisit the previous coronation of a UK monarch, 70 years ago. The Queen’s coronation was the first televised coronation in British history (though there is footage of George VI’s), and was a defining moment for Britain in the 20th century. The Queen’s Coronation In Colour sees the Queen remember the day, and features archive footage of the events in colour.
watch it on: itvx
Charles R: The Making of a Monarch
Charles R: The Making of a Monarch is the BBC’s latest royal doc that ties into Charles’ coronation. Something of a successor to the 1992 documentary Elizabeth R, Charles R looks at the life of the king and all seven decades as heir to the throne. Much like that documentary, Charles R lifts the lid on the monarchy and features Charles speaking in his own words, from the young age of 20 and through the years until the present day. The sixty-minute doc pulls together from hundreds of hours of footage to tell the story of Charles’ life so far, and his awareness from an early age that he would one day be king with all the responsibilities that would come with it.
Watch it on: BBC iPlayer
Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts
This documentary was released for the Platinum Jubilee and is directed by acclaimed British director Roger Michell, known for his works like Notting Hill and Hyde Park On Hudson. It examines and celebrates her historic seven decades on the throne, and how she took on the role of Queen at the age of 25, as well as some of her personality behind closed doors, featuring interviews with figures like Sir Paul McCartney, discussing her iconic status and influence. It’s an engrossing look at the late Queen and her life, and essential viewing for those who want to pay tribute.
Watch it on: Amazon
Camilla’s Country Life
ITV’s doc Camilla’s Country Life paints a portrait of Charles’ wife Camilla and the life she has led so far before becoming Queen Consort. Last year she was invited to become a guest editor of Country Life magazine to celebrate her 75th birthday and the magazine’s 125th anniversary, and this documentary was made to coincide with the occasion. While the documentary doesn’t reveal a huge amount of behind-the-scenes info, it does give insight into who Camilla is and her passions and looks behind the headlines. As she prepares to edit the magazine, you’ll see her interactions with Charles, dogs Bluebell and Beth and more, as well as giving you some idea of her role as Queen Consort.
Watch it on: ITVX
King George VI: The Man Behind The King’s Speech
These days, George VI is perhaps popularly thought of through the lens of Oscar-winning film The King’s Speech, as portrayed by Colin Firth. This documentary, made a year after that film, takes a look at the real-life figure, often introverted and humble in his roles as Prince and then King, and who did not expect to take on the throne. As King, he not only had to deal with healing the country after the abdication of his brother Edward, but also saw the country through the Second World War, and began to take the country into a new era post-war. It’s a compelling and thoughtful look at the father of Elizabeth II and the grandfather of Charles III.
Watch it on: Netflix
The Princess
Princess Diana’s life, and its tragedy, is one that often felt like it was told through tabloid journalism and public appearances only. The Princess, produced by HBO, aims to give an immersive and overarching look at her story, with archive footage exploring how Diana became the most talked about woman in the world, and yet struggled with how society viewed her. There’s no narration or present-day interviews, and instead, the doc is told through archive footage and news interviews to stitch together a portrait of a deeply troubled woman.
Watch it on: NOW
Seen all of these royal documentaries? check out these royal TV and films instead
