Royalty documentaries

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Explore the history of the British monarchy with our collection of Royal Family documentaries from the BBC and beyond. From Henry VIII and Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, as well as other monarchies from around the world, stream BBC series and films about the past and present of royalty.

The Royals: A History of Scandals


The Royals: A History of Scandals

Award-winning historian and presenter Professor Suzannah Lipscomb looks into a series of scandalous royal events and activities. These include suspected murders, tragic deaths, shocking sex scandals, potential occult practices, criminal acts and epic regal spending. She uncovers the fact from the fiction, the myth from the reality and gets to heart of these historical royal incidents.

A Very Royal Crisis: Countdown to Abdication

A Very Royal Crisis: Countdown to Abdication

This is the true tale of the biggest scandal ever to engulf the British Royal Family – a  forbidden love affair which had a devastating impact. This BBC Select Original Documentary series recounts the story behind the ten days leading to Edward VIII abdicating his throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. It would change the royals, the press and British history forever.

Elizabeth & Margaret: Love and Loyalty

Elizabeth & Margaret: Love and Loyalty

Princess Margaret is dismissed as a party-going rebel who embarrassed her sister Queen Elizabeth due to her scandalous life. But, as this fascinating documentary reveals, behind closed doors Margaret sacrificed her own happiness for her big sister and the crown. And when Elizabeth became the most famous woman in the world, the pressure threatened to destroy their relationship.

The Queen Of Empire: Victoria

The Queen Of Empire: Victoria

Crowned queen shortly after her 18th birthday, Victoria presided over an extraordinary period of British history which saw huge industrial, social and territorial expansion. As this revealing history documentary shows, over her long reign she also managed to shift the public perception of the royal family and became a celebrated public figure, influencing popular culture.

The Forgotten Queen: Anne

The forgotten W

Coming to the throne in 1702, Anne modelled herself on Elizabeth I. She was the last monarch of the Stuart dynasty and one of the hardest working rulers that Britain had ever seen. Though less well-known today, she was the first queen of Great Britain, bringing Scotland and England together under one ruler and reigned through a period where Britain became a major player on the world stage.