Elizabeth I and II: The Golden Queens
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?
Watch Elizabeth I and II: The Golden Queens and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.
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BBC Select Free Trial
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History documentaries
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Stephen Fry explores a remarkable story of forgery and sabotage by the Dutch Resistance.
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A new perspective on the most significant events in modern history, the two world wars.
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Renowned historian David Olusoga reveals the stories behind the United Kingdom.
D-Day: Last Words
This unflinching documentary tells the story of 6 June 1944. The Longest Day. D-Day.
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Delve into the inner workings of the world's most powerful and intriguing families.
Paradise Soldiers
Untold tales of military valor and sacrifice by decades of young Cook Islanders.
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Marc Fennell investigates artifacts from the British Empire and the impact of colonialism.
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Can unseen images reveal the roots of the rift between Prince Harry and Prince William?
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The shocking story of those trafficked from Africa for entertainment and experimentation.
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Is anti-semitism taken less seriously than other forms of discrimination?
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Why were hundreds of innocent people murdered by the Nazis and buried in Arnsberg Forest?
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The world’s top conflict photographers reflect on careers spent on the front lines.
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Color film and photographic archives give a surprising and unique insight into the 1930s.
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Julius Caesar Revealed with Mary Beard
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The Six Queens of Henry VIII
Rediscover the Queens who shaped a King & his legacy in The Six Queens of Henry VIII, BBC's new look at the King's infamous wives.
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Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan's incredible journey from poverty in Mongolia to conquering Europe.
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Tutankhamun: Life, Death and Legacy
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Russia 1917: Countdown to Revolution
Three men rise from obscurity to unleash a bloody revolution that changed history forever.
The Persians: A History of Iran
How was the world's first empire born and what led to its ultimate destruction?
Filthy Cities
Dan Snow explores the murky histories of London, Paris and New York from the bottom up.
Archaeology: A Secret History
Better living through archeology. How can our past make sense of our present?
Vienna: Empire, Dynasty and Dream
The rise of one of the great cities and how it offers a window into power, faith and war.
The Birth of Empire: The East India Company
The world’s first megacorp. How Britain’s East India Company grew into an imperial power.
Royal Cousins at War
It makes The Crown look like Sesame Street. The bitter regal rivalries that led to war.
Genius of the Modern World
Emigres, recluses, enemies of the state. How Marx, Nietzsche and Freud changed the world.
American History's Biggest Fibs
American history is fake, fact? Historian Lucy Worlsey delves deeper into US mythology.
Suffragettes
The violence, valor and sacrifices made by the women fighting for their right to vote.
Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners
People as property: historian David Olusoga on the untold stories of British slavery.
Royalty documentaries
Explore the history of the British monarchy with our collection of Royal Family documentaries. From Henry VIII and Queen Victoria to today.
The Queen's Palaces
What secrets lurk within the walls of Buckingham Palace and other royal residences?
Edward VII: Prince of Pleasure
Unravelling the mystery of King Edward VII to understand how his legacy is still relevant today.
A Royal Guide to…
Back for season two, those on the inside provide details on some bizarre royal traditions and protocols.
Queen Victoria and her Nine Children
How Queen Victoria's grief changed her as a mother and a monarch
How Mad Was King George?
King George III is remembered as a madman, but is this assessment unfair?
King George VI: Brother, Husband, King
The story of an unlikely King whose closest family relationships shaped him and his reign.
Royal Cousins at War
It makes The Crown look like Sesame Street. The bitter regal rivalries that led to war.
Secrets Of The Royal Gardens
Discover little-known facts and horticultural wonders hidden in royal parks and gardens.
The Six Queens of Henry VIII
Rediscover the Queens who shaped a King & his legacy in The Six Queens of Henry VIII, BBC's new look at the King's infamous wives.
The Princes and the Press
Explore the changing relationship between the Royal Family and British tabloid press
The Forgotten Queen: Anne
Modelling her reign on Elizabeth I, Anne was the first queen of a unified Great Britain.
Secrets Of Royal Travel
The unseen luxury and decadence within the royal family’s planes and trains.
Royal Holiday Secrets
What does the royal family do to relax, and where are their favorite places to escape to?
A Very Royal Crisis: Countdown to Abdication
The biggest scandal and constitutional crisis ever to engulf the British Royal Family.
A Grand Royal Design
Follow King Charles’ bold plan to save an 18th century mansion, and help the community.
William and Harry: The Unseen Photos
Can unseen images reveal the roots of the rift between Prince Harry and Prince William?
Osborne House: A Royal Retreat
Enjoy behind the scenes access to Queen Victoria’s favorite home: Osborne House.
Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens
Get ready to discover some of the most incredible royal kitchen gardens across the UK. In this documentary series, award-winning chef and author Raymond Blanc gains unique access to these captivating spaces, meeting the people who work there and the chefs who use them. From the apple tunnels of Highgrove to the sea-scented gardens of the Castle of Mey, Raymond promises a fascinating culinary tour.
The Royals: A History of Scandals
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb looks into history's most scandalous British royal rumors.
The Six Queens of Henry VIII
Rediscover the Queens who shaped a King & his legacy in The Six Queens of Henry VIII, BBC's new look at the King's infamous wives.
Elizabeth & Margaret: Love and Loyalty
The complex, pained and loving relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.
The Queen Of Empire: Victoria
Victoria oversaw an astonishing period of change as the British Empire ruled the world.
The Virgin Queen: Elizabeth I
Elizabeth ruled a divided nation but became one of the most powerful leaders in history.
The Queen Mother's Blitz
How The Queen Mother helped to boost the morale of Brits during the Second World War.
Behind the Stories: The Monarchy
Royal reporters tell the inside story of historic moments in the British monarchy.
Behind The Scenes: The Coronation of King Charles III
Discover what goes into the planning and organization of a historic royal coronation.
Charles R: The Making of a Monarch
An intimate portrait of King Charles told in his own words with rare archive footage.
Charles III: Will the King Change the Monarchy?
Will King Charles III adapt the British monarchy to suit modern times?
A Very Royal Wedding
A Very Royal Wedding
A joyful look back at the royal wedding day of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
King George and Queen Mary: The Royals Who Rescued the Monarchy
The pioneering reign of Elizabeth II's grandparents, King George and Queen Mary.
Born To Be The King
What does the future hold for the heir to the British throne, Prince George?
Princess Anne: The Seven Loves of Her Life
The complex and at times scandalous love life of Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter.
Before They Were Royal
The story of Prince Philip, Camilla Parker-Bowles and more before they became royal
Princess Diana: A Life After Death
How Princess Diana's tragic death and legacy changed the British monarchy forever.
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
Picturing Elizabeth: Her Life in Pictures
The stories behind some of the most famous and era-defining pictures of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Platinum Jubilee Interview: Tina Brown
Writer Tina Brown speaks with Katty Kay about decades chronicling the British royal family
Diana's Decades
How did this thoroughly modern princess transform the Royal family and Britain itself?
Young Victoria
How a modest little girl turned into Queen Victoria, one of history's most powerful women.
Edward VIII: Britain's Traitor King
The amazing story of the former British King who may have had Nazi sympathies during WWII.
The Palace & The Press
Why is the British tabloid press so obsessed with the Royal Family and its activities?
The Queen Mother
The triumphs and pain that came to define the woman affectionately known as the Queen Mum.
Elizabeth and Philip: Love and Duty
A look at the Queen and Prince Philip’s marriage as they celebrated 70 years together.
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