Biographical documentaries

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From world leaders including Volodymyr Zelensky to icons of pop culture like Elizabeth Taylor or billionaires such as Elon Musk, BBC Select brings you the life stories of the influential people that shaped the past and present. Stream a range of compelling biographical documentaries from the BBC and beyond with BBC Select.

Princess Diana: A Life After Death

Documentary exploring the death of Diana, Princess of Wales and the aftermath. During the summer of 1997, following the end of her marriage to Prince Charles, media fascination with Diana reached fever point and she was pursued constantly by the press. Diana’s life ended in a car crash in Paris and her death would change attitudes towards the British royal family forever.

Born To Be King

King Charles III: Born to be King

As Charles, Britain’s longest serving heir apparent, ascends the throne as King, those who know him well – who have worked for and with him – discuss what he achieved as the Prince of Wales and what he will bring to his new role of monarch.

This unique BBC royal family documentary, which includes archive footage and intimate interviews with the then Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales, highlights the impact that he had on the country as heir to the throne, and reveals what is important to him and how that will translate to him becoming King.

Princess Margaret: Queen of Mustique

Watch Princess Margaret: Queen of Mustique with BBC Select

Scandalous affairs, X-rated party games, a rumored rock star lover and even an alleged bank robbery. Queen Elizabeth’s sister Princess Margaret loved the Caribbean Island of Mustique. But her time there was mired in controversy.

With archive footage, insider testimony and expert interviews this royal family documentary reveals what the original royal party girl really got up to on her Caribbean hideaway.

Picturing Elizabeth: Her Life in Pictures

Picturing Elizabeth Her Life in Images

During her reign, The Queen became the most visually represented person in the whole of human history. From stamps and coins to formal portraits, press photos and snapshots, her image became an integral part of our everyday lives. This documentary explores the stories behind some of the most famous and era-defining pictures and shows how they chart the changing relationship with the monarchy.

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.