If you’ve fallen victim to the captivating nature of The Crown, you’re probably currently on the hunt for your next fix of royals-themed entertainment.
For those who’ve binge-watched the latest season, it’s safe to say that you’ve learned a thing or two—hello, Balmoral test—when it comes to the famous family. And while many of us are content to carry on our period drama obsession, others are looking to build on their noble knowledge with documentaries.
While recent controversy has seen The Crown in hot water for not claiming to be “fictional content”, there are a myriad of films and TV series about the royals that feature real interviews and never-before-seen footage to fill in any gaps left by the series.
From the life and death of Princess Diana to William and Kate’s royal wedding, we’ve rounded up the very best royal documentaries to add to your monarchy must-watch list.
The Story Of Diana
The Story of Diana focuses on the public unravelling of Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ tumultuous marriage, before and after their divorce. The two-part documentary also follows Diana’s hard-fought battle against the increasingly intrusive media that ultimately ended in tragedy.
Watch it here.
The Royal House Of Windsor
Filled with both rare archive footage and never-before-seen interviews, this six-part docuseries takes viewers on a journey through the fascinating history of the royal family, from the origins of the British monarchy, right up to the current era.
Watch it here.
Diana: 7 Days That Shook The World
Originally released on the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, Diana: 7 Days That Shook The World documents the seven devastating days after her sudden death in 1997. Along with coverage of the public’s reaction to the tragedy, the BBC programme features interviews with Prince William and Prince Harry, who reflect on how they dealt with the loss of their mother.
Watch it here.
Elizabeth: Our Queen
The longest serving monarch in British history, this eight-part series interviews each of the Queen’s Prime Ministers, the members of the Royal Household and her closest friends in order to build a uniquely personal picture of Elizabeth II.
Watch it here.
Diana: In Her Own Words
A uniquely in-depth documentary, Diana: In Her Own Words offers a fascinating look into the life of Princess Diana through her own words. For those unsure about its legitimacy, the film’s content was collected from journalist and biographer Andrew Morton’s collection of previously unheard recordings with the late Princess of Wales.
Watch it here.
The Story Of Queen Elizabeth II
Just like the title suggests, The Story of Queen Elizabeth II looks back on the life of Queen Elizabeth, from how she began her reign to the many historical moments that have occurred throughout her lifetime. If you’re a fan of Elizabeth II, this film offers insight into Her Majesty as well as others around her.
Watch it here.
The Diana Story, Part 1: The Young Princess
If Princess Diana’s life prior to the royals piques your interest, then The Diana Story, Part 1 should be your next must-watch. The series follows Diana’s first visit to Balmoral Castle and her first steps in the royal world to the birth of her two sons, William and Harry. This first part of the series recounts the trials and tribulations that went with Diana’s induction into the royal family, fame and everything inbetween.
Watch it here.
The Queen Mother: A Royal Century
A revered figure in British life, this documentary follows the Queen Mother’s extraordinary and fascinating century-long life. With contributions from renowned expert David Starkey, The Queen Mother: A Royal Century depicts a revealing portrait of one of the longest living and most prominent members of the royal family—spanning from the second World War to the end of the 20th century.
Watch it here.
Serving The Royals: Inside The Firm
For fans of behind-the-scenes moments, Serving The Royals: Inside The Firm profiles the 1,200 ‘servants,’ consultants, advisers and guards working for Britain’s House of Windsor. This unique documentary offers an upstairs-downstairs perspective of the British royal family’s history, showcases those who live to serve the monarchy and sheds light on how the royal machine functions behind the scenes.
Watch it here.
The Royals
If you were one of the 3 billion people to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 royal wedding, then it’s safe to say that you’ll be gripped by The Royals. Not to be confused with the 2015 fictional TV series of the same name, this documentary series sifts through all facets of royal life, exploring the grandeur, splendour and controversy of the aristocracy.
Watch it here.
The Diana Interview: Revenge Of A Princess
For those eager to know what really happened behind-the-scenes of Princess Diana’s 1995 BBC Panorama interview with Martin Bashir, then look no further than The Diana Interview: Revenge Of A Princess. Including interviews with those who bore witness to the breakdown of her marriage and never-before-seen documents and footage from the original interview itself, the documentary examines how the historic BBC interview came into existence, Diana’s revelations about her marriage to Charles,his infidelity and the heartbreaking reality of her struggle with mental health.
Watch it here.
