the queen unseen

Royal Family documentaries to watch now

Get ready to be royally entertained with these royal family documentaries on Freesat. From the Windsors to the Tudors, explore the history and hidden stories of the British royal family.

How to watch the Coronation from home

The Coronation 

BBC One + BBC iPlayer, Saturday 6th May 

the coronation on the bbc

 

Watch the Coronation live from home on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on May 6th! The broadcast will cover all ceremonial events, including processions and military movements, leading up to the service at Westminster Abbey. Cameras will capture the events from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, and the return procession to the palace, including the balcony appearance. Accessible coverage will be available on Red Button and Radio 3 will feature music reflecting The King's musical interests leading up to and on the day of the Coronation. 


Coronation Concert 

BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 + BBC Sounds, Sunday 7th May 

Celebrating Their Majesties, The King and The Queen Consort at Windsor Castle, the Coronation Concert will feature music icons, contemporary stars, and a 74-piece classical orchestra. The live broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds will also feature an exclusive appearance from The Coronation Choir, made up of 300 singing groups from across the UK. The audience will include volunteers from the couple's many charity affiliations, as well as 5,000 lucky members of the public. 


ROYAL FAMILY DOCUMENTARIES: 

Charles: Our New King  

ITVX and STV Player  

king charles iii

 

This new documentary takes you on a journey through the life of our future king! Get exclusive insights into the early years of the Prince of Wales and how he became the man he is today. From his childhood to his time as a young adult, you'll get a glimpse into the experiences and challenges that shaped his character and prepared him for his future role. 


Charles R: The Making of a Monarch  

BBC One + BBC iPlayer, Sunday 30th April at 8pm 

photo of a young prince charles

 

Join us on a captivating journey through the life of King Charles III, spanning over seven decades as heir to the throne. Witness the private moments and public appearances that have been captured on film, from newsreels to home movies, interviews to documentaries - both about him and by him. This hour-long documentary brings together an incredible treasure trove of rare and unseen footage, giving us a unique insight into the life and times of the King. 


Songs of Praise: The King’s Journey to Coronation  

BBC One, Sunday 30th April 

Join Aled Jones as he explores Highgrove House and the beautiful gardens that embody King Charles' passion for environmental causes. Gyles Brandreth shares stories of the key moments that have influenced the King's life and faith, while highlighting the ground-breaking work of The Prince's Trust, a charity founded by the King. And, get an exclusive insight into the upcoming coronation ceremony from the Dean of Westminster, including the sacred symbols used during the historic event. 


The Real Crown  

Watch on ITVX 

 

image of prince andrew and the royal family

 

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the real story of the Royals in this gripping documentary on ITVX. Delve into the personal challenges that Queen Elizabeth II and the monarchy faced throughout her reign, and discover how they overcame them.  

The Queen Unseen 

Watch on ITVX and BBC iPlayer 

young queen elizabeth ii holding a video camera

 

Throughout her reign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been both an incredibly public figure and a very private one. Now, for the first time, The Queen Unseen uncovers a glimpse of the real person behind the crown. Featuring previously unseen home films, newly digitalised material from 116 countries she’s visited over the years, and informal footage, see the Queen as a mother, wife, farmer, animal-lover and even a comedian in this intimate documentary. 


Inside The Crown: Secrets of the Royal Palaces  

Watch on ITVX 

inside the crown title image

 

From national crises to royal marriages, take a step inside the royal palaces to explore the trials and tribulations of the royals behind closed doors. 


Inside Royalty  

STV Player (Scotland only) 

charles and diana

 

Get exclusive access to the inner workings of the British royal family and uncover what really goes on behind palace doors for an inside look at the intriguing world of the monarchy. 

More on STV


Frankie Boyle’s Farewell to the Monarchy 

Channel 4, Sunday 30th April at 10pm 

frankie boyle's goodbye to the monarchy

 

Join Frankie Boyle as he delves into the intriguing and darker side of the royal family’s 1000-year history. Frankie explores the reigns of six influential monarchs and how their past actions, from land-grabbing to wife-beheading, have shaped the royal family of today.  


Elizabeth: Our Queen 

Watch on My5 

queen elizabeth ii

 

This four-part documentary series takes an in-depth look at the Queen’s remarkable life. From her years helping with the war effort to her ascension to the throne, see how her life and role have changed over her lifetime.   


My Years with the Queen

Watch on ITVX

lady pamela hicks

 

In this one-off documentary, Lady Pamela Hicks, the daughter of Lord Mountbatten and great-great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria, cousin to Prince Philip and second cousin to the Queen, talks for the very first time about her life growing up within the Royal family and tells her memories of her relationship with the Queen.  


Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts

Watch on Prime Video

 

This documentary explores the life of The Queen through her many portraits over the years. With special access to the Royal Archives, this fresh new documentary will get to the heart of The Queen's personality and character, to the woman behind the crown. 


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