What’s it like to be close friends with Queen Elizabeth II?

My Years with the Queen Documentary

Lady Pamela Hicks talks for the first time about her incredible life growing up within the British royal family and her very special relationship with Queen Elizabeth II. As the great great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and cousin to Prince Philip and the Queen, experience her remarkable story of duty and friendship.

Watch My Years with the Queen and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.

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Edward VII: Prince of Pleasure

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King George and Queen Mary: The Royals Who Rescued the Monarchy

The pioneering reign of Elizabeth II's grandparents, King George and Queen Mary.

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Princess Anne: The Seven Loves of Her Life

The complex and at times scandalous love life of Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter.

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Princess Anne: The Seven Loves of Her Life

The complex and at times scandalous love life of Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter.

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Before They Were Royal

A fascinating look into the familiar faces of the lives of those who married into the British royal family. What was life like before they joined the British royal family? This compelling documentary series looks at the early lives of various royals, including Prince Philip and Camilla Parker-Bowles before fame and their acceptance into the monarchy.

Before They Were Royals

Before They Were Royal

The story of Prince Philip, Camilla Parker-Bowles and more before they became royal

100 Years of BBC News

How has BBC News and the world changed over 100 years?

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Princess Margaret: Queen of Mustique

Scandal and gossip stalked Princess Margaret on the luxurious island of Mustique.

Watch A Life In Ten Pictures: John Lennon on BBC Select

A Life In Ten Pictures: John Lennon

Photographs help to reveal the true nature of music icon and Beatles star John Lennon.

Watch A Life In Ten Pictures: John Lennon on BBC Select

A Life In Ten Pictures: John Lennon

Photographs help to reveal the true nature of music icon and Beatles star John Lennon.

Watch Secrets Of The Bermuda Triangle on BBC Select

Secrets Of The Bermuda Triangle

Exploring the planet’s most notorious and mysterious body of water: the Bermuda Triangle.

Elizabeth Fashioning A Monarch

How the Queen used clothing and jewelry to send a message to the world

Elizabeth: Her Passions and Pastimes

A look back at the pastimes, passions and pleasures of Queen Elizabeth II

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When the Queen Spoke to the Nation

Exploring the Queen’s annual Christmas Day messages and other special addresses.

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Picturing Elizabeth: Her Life in Pictures

The stories behind some of the most famous and era-defining pictures of Queen Elizabeth II.

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A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

A look back at the life of Queen Elizabeth II

Watch A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

A look back at the life of Queen Elizabeth II

Watch A Life In Ten Pictures: Elizabeth Taylor on BBC Select

A Life In Ten Pictures: Elizabeth Taylor

The life of Elizabeth Taylor told through 10 pictures

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The Platinum Jubilee Interview: Tina Brown

Writer Tina Brown speaks with Katty Kay about decades chronicling the British royal family

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Elton John: Uncensored

Elton John opens up to Graham Norton about his childhood, stardom and addiction battles.

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The Duke in his Own Words

This reflective film remembers The Duke of Edinburgh

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Kissinger: Statesman or War Criminal?

Henry Kissinger: canny political operator or a despicable war criminal?

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The triumphs and pain that came to define the woman affectionately known as the Queen Mum.

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The Genius of Carl Faberge

Would you spend $100 million on eggs? You might if they were Faberge.

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Biographical documentaries

From world leaders to the kings and queens of pop culture, BBC Select tells the true-life stories of some of the most influential people of our time.

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Elton John: Uncensored

Elton John opens up to Graham Norton about his childhood, stardom and addiction battles.

Life in Ten Pictures Freddie Mercury Documentary

A Life in Ten Pictures - Freddie Mercury

The life of Queen's Freddie Mercury told through photographs

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Gauguin: The Full Story

Why was the life of influential artist Paul Gauguin mired in controversy and conflict?

Hitler A Life in 10 Pictures

Hitler: A Life In Pictures

Photos and film reveal the public and private life of Germany's infamous dictator.

Hitler A Life in 10 Pictures

Hitler: A Life In Pictures

Photos and film reveal the public and private life of Germany's infamous dictator.

Turkey: Rise of Erdogans Empire

Turkey: The Rise of Erdogan's Empire

How did Recep Tayyip Erdogan become the most powerful leader in Turkey’s recent history?

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Mark Zuckerberg: The Billionaires Who Made Our World

The story of the boy genius who changed the way we communicate forever.

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What is the point of modern monarchy? Katty Kay visits Europe’s remaining royals.

Europe’s Royals Revealed

Europe’s Royals Revealed with Katty Kay

What is the point of modern monarchy? Katty Kay visits Europe’s remaining royals.

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Roberta Flack: Killing Me Softly

The astonishing story of one of the biggest music stars of the 1970s: Roberta Flack.

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The Source Family

Meet Father Yod and his wild 1970s Hollywood commune, rock band and health restaurant.

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The Source Family

The story of Father Yod and his wild 1970s utopian living experiment.

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Princess Anne: The Seven Loves of Her Life

The complex and at times scandalous love life of Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter.

The Amol Rajan Interviews: Billie Jean King

The tennis legend opens up about her incredible life and career

The Amol Rajan Interviews: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic discusses his incredible career and events during the pandemic

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Before They Were Royal

The story of Prince Philip, Camilla Parker-Bowles and more before they became royal

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Schindler: The Real Story

How did Oskar Schindler differ from the one seen in the famous film?

Princess Diana: A Life After Death

How Princess Diana's tragic death and legacy changed the British monarchy forever.

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A Life In Ten Pictures: Amy Winehouse

The story of Amy Winehouse told through 10 photos

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Hurst: The First and Only

Exploring the life of the World Cup winner and England footballing legend

King Charles III: Born to be King

Born To Be King

What will new British monarch King Charles III bring to the role?

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Princess Margaret: Queen of Mustique

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Downfall of the Porn King: The Ron Jeremy Story

The rise and fall of porn star, Ron Jeremy.

Elon Musk Superhero or Supervillain

Elon Musk – Superhero or Supervillain?

A look beyond the hype and headlines at the world's richest man.

Watch A Life In Ten Pictures: John Lennon on BBC Select

A Life In Ten Pictures: John Lennon

Photographs help to reveal the true nature of music icon and Beatles star John Lennon.

Elizabeth Fashioning A Monarch

How the Queen used clothing and jewelry to send a message to the world

Elizabeth: Her Passions and Pastimes

A look back at the pastimes, passions and pleasures of Queen Elizabeth II

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When the Queen Spoke to the Nation

Exploring the Queen’s annual Christmas Day messages and other special addresses.

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Picturing Elizabeth: Her Life in Pictures

The stories behind some of the most famous and era-defining pictures of Queen Elizabeth II.

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A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

A look back at the life of Queen Elizabeth II

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A Life In Ten Pictures: Muhammad Ali

Ten photographs show a different side of boxer Muhammad Ali

Surviving the Holocaust

Surviving the Holocaust

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A Life In Ten Pictures: Elizabeth Taylor

The life of Elizabeth Taylor told through 10 pictures

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A Life In Ten Pictures: Tupac Shakur

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Napoleon

The story of Napoleon

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Kissinger: Statesman or War Criminal?

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How the Maxwells, from father Robert to daughter Ghislaine, became embroiled in scandal.

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The Queen Mother

The triumphs and pain that came to define the woman affectionately known as the Queen Mum.

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Calculating Ada: The Countess of Computing

How did a scandalous 19th-century countess help create the modern era of computing?

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Confucius

The remarkable story of a great thinker who helped to form a nation and shape the world.

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Van Gogh: Painted with Words

Powerful docudrama exploring the work and passions of Vincent Van Gogh

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The Genius of Carl Faberge

Would you spend $100 million on eggs? You might if they were Faberge.

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Simon Schama's Shakespeare and Us

A Bard’s tale. How Shakespeare united the intellectual and populist like no one else.

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Zelensky: The Making of a President

The transformation of Ukraine's President Zelensky from comic to respected world leader.

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When Louis Met ... Jimmy Savile

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Louis Theroux scrutinizes his relationship with disgraced entertainer Jimmy Savile

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Mad Dog: Inside the Secret World of Muammar Gaddafi

Regime of terror: a horrifying portrait of Libya’s leader from the insiders who made him.

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Gandhi

His reputation is uncontroversial. The reality couldn’t be more different.

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In Louboutin's Shoes

Sole man. Inside the fashion world of footwear designer Christian Louboutin.

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Joanna Lumley’s Britain

Explore Great Britain in this charming travel series

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Reclaiming Amy

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Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards

What drives the legendary shoe designer and self-confessed 'cobbler' Manolo Blahnik?

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David Bowie: Finding Fame

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Vincent: The Full Story

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Royalty (British)

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Behind The Scenes: The Coronation of King Charles III

Discover what goes into the planning and organization of a historic royal coronation.

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Royal Holiday Secrets

What does the royal family do to relax, and where are their favorite places to escape to?

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Charles R: The Making of a Monarch

An intimate portrait of King Charles told in his own words with rare archive footage.

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Will the new king of the UK change the monarchy to help it survive in the modern world?

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A Very Royal Wedding

A joyful look back at the royal wedding day of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

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Follow King Charles’ bold plan to save an 18th century mansion, and help the community.

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King George VI: Brother, Husband, King

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Edward VII: Prince of Pleasure

Unravelling the mystery of King Edward VII to understand how his legacy is still relevant today.

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Born To Be The King

What does the future hold for the heir to the British throne, Prince George?

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Discover little-known facts and horticultural wonders hidden in royal parks and gardens.

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Princess Anne: The Seven Loves of Her Life

The complex and at times scandalous love life of Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter.

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Before They Were Royal

The story of Prince Philip, Camilla Parker-Bowles and more before they became royal

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Inside Balmoral

An insight into a secluded royal retreat in the Scottish Highlands.

Princess Diana: A Life After Death

How Princess Diana's tragic death and legacy changed the British monarchy forever.

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The unseen luxury and decadence within the royal family’s planes and trains.

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Princess Margaret: Queen of Mustique

Scandal and gossip stalked Princess Margaret on the luxurious island of Mustique.

Elizabeth Fashioning A Monarch

How the Queen used clothing and jewelry to send a message to the world

Elizabeth: Her Passions and Pastimes

A look back at the pastimes, passions and pleasures of Queen Elizabeth II

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When the Queen Spoke to the Nation

Exploring the Queen’s annual Christmas Day messages and other special addresses.

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Picturing Elizabeth: Her Life in Pictures

The stories behind some of the most famous and era-defining pictures of Queen Elizabeth II.

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A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

A look back at the life of Queen Elizabeth II

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The Platinum Jubilee Interview: Tina Brown

Writer Tina Brown speaks with Katty Kay about decades chronicling the British royal family

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Young Victoria

How a modest little girl turned into Queen Victoria, one of history's most powerful women.

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The Queen's Palaces

What secrets lurk within the walls of Buckingham Palace and other royal residences?

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A Royal Guide to…

A revealing look into some of the more peculiar protocols followed by the Royal Family.

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Elizabeth I and II: The Golden Queens

Exploring the parallels between Queen Elizabeth I and II

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II Documentary

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

The fascinating story of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

The Duke In His Words Documentary

The Duke in his Own Words

This reflective film remembers The Duke of Edinburgh

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Edward VIII: Britain's Traitor King

The amazing story of the former British King who may have had Nazi sympathies during WWII.

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The Palace & The Press

Why is the British tabloid press so obsessed with the Royal Family and its activities?

Watch The Queen Mother on BBC Select

The Queen Mother

The triumphs and pain that came to define the woman affectionately known as the Queen Mum.