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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.

A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

Watch A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

This BBC film looks back at the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, who has died aged 96. Ascending to the throne at the age of 25 in 1953, she enjoyed an extraordinarily long reign and steered the monarchy and the nation through periods of huge social change. This tribute features interviews with her children, public figures and those who served her during her reign.

The Platinum Jubilee Interview: Tina Brown

Stream The Platinum Jubilee Interview: Tina Brown on BBC Select

Award-winning writer and magazine editor Tina Brown has spent decades chronicling the British royal family.

Ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, she sits down with the BBC’s Special Correspondent Katty Kay, to discuss her latest book The Palace Papers; the Queen’s impact on Britain’s image both in the UK and abroad; and the challenges faced by the modern royal family.

Young Victoria

young victoria

She is now one of the most recognizable monarchs in British Royal history. But Queen Victoria’s path to the throne was by no means easy.

As this BBC royal history documentary reveals, Britain in the 1830s was on the brink of revolution. Victoria was seen as a deterrent to this, but there were those determined to grab power for themselves.

How did Victoria’s scheming mother complicate her ascent?

Elizabeth I and II: The Golden Queens

Watch Elizabeth I & II: Golden Queens on BBC Select

This fascinating royal history documentary explores the parallels between Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. Both became monarch at 25 but what unites and what divides them? Historians analyse the moments that define their reigns. Despite the centuries between them, could they share any surprising characteristics?

Edward VIII: Britain's Traitor King

Stream Edward VIII: Britain's Traitor King on BBC Select

Historians examine newly discovered sources relating to the Duke of Windsor, the former king who renounced the throne to marry Wallace Simpson. This revelatory Edward VIII documentary explores his life after abdication, his connections with the Nazi Party, and evidence that he encouraged Germany to bomb the UK into submission during World War Two so he could regain the throne.