Image: Des Willie
How To Be a Royal Watcher
If you’re one of the 17.1 million viewers who tuned in to watch Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s epic interview with Oprah Winfrey, then you’re probably caught up on Netflix’s Golden Globe–winning hit “The Crown.” Whether you like Windsor Family history, soapy fictions or gorgeous period dramas, here’s a roundup of the best series, movies and documentaries for your royal-watching pleasure.
If these aren’t enough, you can also tune into TrueRoyalty.tv, the new streaming channel that’s like Netflix for all things British Royals.
God save the Queen!
Riveting docuseries
“The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty”
From the producers of “The Kennedys,” this new six-part CNN Original Series takes viewers up through the Meghan Markle and Prince Harry era using rare archival footage and insider interviews.
Where to stream: Apple TV
“The Royals”
This six-part documentary series has episodes titled “Royal Weddings,” “Royal Scandals” and “Royal Pets” (oh, yes!). It’s a juicy look inside the castle that should satisfy all your royal cravings.
Where to stream: Prime Video
“Margaret: The Rebel Princess”
Filled with revealing interviews, this intimate two-part series follows Princess Margaret’s life as she redefined our image of a modern princess and became a symbol of the the social and sexual revolution transforming the Western world during the 20th century.
Where to stream: PBS Masterpiece
“The Royal House of Windsor”
Get to know the modern royal family starting with Edward VIII’s abdication through Prince William’s courting of Kate Middleton in this comprehensive six-part docuseries.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Diana: In Her Own Words”
If you’re a Princess Diana fan, this documentary is a must-see. Produced by National Geographic and rated 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, it tells Diana’s story in her own voice though recordings made with her biographer Andrew Morton, diving deep into her troubled life with the royal family.
Where to stream: Disney+
Royal-approved documentaries
“Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy”
Officially approved by both Prince Harry and Prince William, this is a heartfelt look at Princess Diana from the perspective of her sons, 20 years after her death.
Where to stream: HBO Max
“Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute”
A birthday celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s life with members of the royal family, as they offer insights and share memories while watching home movies. Yes, even the royals have home videos.
Where to stream: Prime Video
“Queen of the World”
Filmed with privileged access to Queen Elizabeth, her family, her staff and her residences, this documentary features behind-the-scenes moments with the Queen and members of the royal family, as she passes her knowledge and experience on to the younger generations.
Where to stream: HBO Max
See where they lived
“Secrets of Great British Castles”
From medieval strongholds like Dover Castle to the terrifying Tower of London, this docuseries explores the history of Britain’s greatest castles and the stories, battles, murders and sieges revealed behind the walls.
Where to stream: Netflix
Big-screen hits
“The Queen”
This stunning film stars the great Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth in the wake of Lady Diana Spencer’s death. As England falls into national mourning, of which the Queen wants no part, Tony Blair (played by Michael Sheen) attempts to persuade Queen Elizabeth to pay her respects to the princess in this intimate battle of conflicted emotions.
Where to stream: Prime Video
“The King’s Speech”
Colin Firth stars as the stuttering King George VI, who ascends the throne in 1936 upon his brothers sudden abdication. Understanding that the country needs to hear from their King, his wife (Helena Bonham Carter) hires an actor and speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) to help him overcome his stammer. The role earned Firth an Oscar for Best Actor.
Where to stream: HBO Max
“Elizabeth” and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
The Oscar-nominated “Elizabeth” put its star Cate Blanchett on the map and follows the first Queen Elizabeth’s turbulent and treacherous rise to power in the 16th century. A naive girl who came to rule over a divided and warring country, she became a brilliant strategist. Its sequel picks up with Queen Elizabeth 25 years later as she schemes, seduces and leads her people into an epic battle.
Where to stream: Prime Video
“The Lion in Winter”
This beautiful Oscar-winning 1968 classic stars Peter O’Toole as King Henry II and Katharine Hepburn as his wife, Queen Eleanor. As Henry attempts to choose one of his three sons as a successor, Eleanor jockeys to have her beloved son, Prince Richard (Anthony Hopkins), ascend the throne.
Where to stream: Prime Video
“The Madness of King George”
Set just after the American Revolution, in 1788, the aging King George III is starting to show signs of madness and his bewildered doctors attempt the ineffectual cures of the day. As the King flounders, Queen Charlotte (Helen Mirren) and the Prime Minister attempt to prevent the King’s political enemies, led by the Prince of Wales (Rupert Everett), from usurping the throne.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Bingeable series
“Victoria”
This truly delightful soap opera telling of the young Queen Victoria and her love, Prince Albert, has everything: It’s a riveting historical drama, a feminist coming-of-age glow up and a delicious romance. Watch as the young Queen comes into her power as a woman and learns how to rule as a monarch.
Where to stream: PBS and Prime Video
“The Crown”
If you haven’t been watching, you need to start. This impeccably acted drama, with four seasons so far, begins when Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne and follows her journey alongside the rest of the Windsor Family as they navigate triumphs and scandals, marriages and prime ministers and everything in between. Winner of four 2021 Golden Globes for Best Drama, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Wolf Hall”
This acclaimed, star-studded six-part drama stars Damian Lewis (“Homeland”) as King Henry VIII, Tony- and Oscar-winner Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell and Golden Globe–winner Claire Foy (“The Crown”) as Anne Boleyn. Rather than the Royals, this series focuses on the rise of Cromwell as he navigates the power struggles of the Tudor Court and a capricious king unable to produce a male heir.
Where to stream: Prime Video or PBS
“The White Queen,” “The White Princess” and “The Spanish Princess”
This sexy Tudor trilogy looks at the era through the lens of the ladies, including Elizabeth of York and Catherine of Aragon. With lavish costumes, court intrigue, murder and seduction, this series is a completely binge-worthy addition to your royal fare.
Where to stream: Starz
“The Tudors”
Set in the 16th century during King Henry VIII’s nearly 40-year reign, this is a lusty retelling of the marriage sagas of the murderous king (played by the pouty and powerful Jonathan Rhys Meyers); his famous companions, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn; and his political machinations with the likes of Sir Thomas Moore and Cardinal Wolsey.
Where to stream: Hulu (requires Showtime add-on)
Program availability may have changed and is subject to change.
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