• Ended
  • 1h
  • Documentary
A documentary about the Queen (Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

9 episodes

Series Premiere

1x01 Duty and Destiny

Series Premiere

1x01 Duty and Destiny

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Queen Elizabeth II is one of three British monarchs of the 20th century who were not born to reign, but who had monarchy thrust upon them. For much of her childhood, Elizabeth lived the life of a princess without the pressure or knowledge that she would one day be Queen. Her life took its decisive turn when, aged 10, she became first in line to the throne - the Heiress Presumptive. How did the young Elizabeth respond to the realisation her destiny had changed forever - and how did she prepare for her royal duty and role as Queen? Features exclusive, recently conducted interviews with Hugo Vickers, Sarah Bradford, Lord St. John of Fawsley, Nick Owen, Sir Roy Strong, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Lady Glenconner and Andrew Roberts.

1x02 The Diana Years

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When Lady Diana Spencer first came under the glare of the media spotlight back in 1980, nobody could have foretold the impact she would have on the royal family. The youngest daughter of an earl, Diana did not fit the profile of a subversive. Young and pretty, she appeared an eminetly suitable consort for the future monarch. In reality over the next seventeen years Diana would shake the monachy to its very foundations. But how did the Queen first perceive Diana? And how did she react to the breakdown in her son's marriage and Diana's tragic death? Features exclusives. recently conducted interviews with Penny Junor, Nick Own, Sir Roy Strong, Ingrid Seward, Dickie Arbiter and Hugo Vickers

1x03 Childhood

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Queen Elizabeth II is Britain's oldest serving monach. In April 1926, however, at the time of her birth, there was no reason to assume she would one day become Queen. For a portion of her childhood at least, Elizabeth lived the life of a princess, without the scrutiny that would normally attend the upbringing of a future sovereign. This programme, through unique archive footage, reveals glimpses of her early family life. However, what was that childhood life? And how did life change once destiny intervened and her fate as future Queen looked to be sealed? Features exclusive, recently conducted interviews with Hugo Vickers, Sarah Bradford, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Ingrid Seward and Lady Glenconner.

1x04 A Lifelong Romance

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The marriage of Queen Elizabeth II to the Duke of Edinburgh is the longest of a reigning monarch in British History. What began as a fairytale romance has matured into a union lasting more than 60 years. It has survived the public scrutiny and private misfortune, providing continuity for both their family and the nation during a period of unprecedented change in British history. But how did they meet, what brought them together and to what do they owe their martial success. Features exclusive, recently conducted interviews with Ingrid Seward, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Sarah Bradford, Dickie Arbiter, Hugo Vickers, Lady Glenconner, Andrew Pierce and Romilly Weeks.

1x05 Politics of Change

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During her long reign Her Majesty the Queen has known 11 prime ministers. Although politically neutral, her experience of public affairs means she knows more about the inner workings of each government than anyone currently serving in Parliament. Ministers value their weekly audience given by the Queen. However, what is that relationship like and how have successive Prime Ministers sought to influence or change the monarchy while at the same time seeking to preserve it? Features exclusive, recently conducted interviews with Andrew Pierce, Andrew Roberts, Simon Heffer, Sarah Bradford, Penny Jonor, Dickie Arbiter and Nick Owen

A consistent theme of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II has been her abiding interest and dedication to the Commonwealth. As its symbolic head, she has overseen the transition from Empire to a 'family of nations', with an enthusiasm bordering on devotion. Despite frequent predictions of the Commonwealth, the Queen has played a central role in keeping it not just alive, but relevant. So, why is the Queen co committed to this disparate association - and how does she retain the allegiance of the heads of member states? Features exclusive, recently conducted interviews with Lord St. John of Fawsley, Simon Heffer, Andrew Roberts, Andrew Pierce and Nick Owen.

1x07 Queen and Country

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As Head of the Armed Forces, Queen Elizabeth II takes a keen interest in all the Services both in the United Kingdom and in the Commonwealth. The Queen holds more than thirty honorary military titles at home - and an almost equal number across those countries where she remains Head of State. But what does her role involve and why is it still relevant to the Service men and women of the armed forces? Features exclusive, recently conducted interviews with Sarah Bradford, Roy Strong, Dickie Arbiter, Andrew Pierce, Romilly Weeks, Countess Mountbatton of Burma and Penny Junor.

1x08 A Golden Celebration

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In 2002, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee. One of only three British monarchs to reign for more than 50 years, the main focus of the anniversary was a four-day weekend in June when millions of people around Great Britain joined in an unforgettable nationwide party. It was a year tinged with sadness after the deaths of her sister, Princess Margaret and then Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. It was particularly gratifying to discover the latent loyalty to the Crown and the affection in which the Queen was still held by her people. Features exclusive, recently conducted interviews with Hugo Vickers, Ingrid Seward, Romilly Weeks, Sir Roy Strong and Dickie Arbiter.

1x09 A Family Album

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Family as a theme has come almost to define the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Whether her own family, of the 'family of nations' that is the Commonwealth, the Queen is known to highly value the shared strength which can be derived from family life. However, what is her own experience of family - and how has it helped sustain her during her long years as Sovereign. Features exclusive, recently conducted interviews with Ingrid Seward, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Penny Junor, Sir Roy Strong, Romilly Weeks, Dickie Arbiter and Andrew Pierce.

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