Royals
This section is for documentaries about Royals and the Royal Family of around the world. The House of Windsor is not the only royal house, there are royal houses in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. There are also ex-royal families like in Greece, France, Russia, and Germany.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II: 70 Years - YouTube (1:34:39)
Queen Elizabeth’s life was shaped by a life of service. As a princess, she never expected to be Queen. However, was thrust into the spotlight. This documentary highlights her life and her family and the three events that shaped her life. The Depression, the Abdication, and World War II. She trained as a mechanic during World War II. She would meet the love of her life and would raise four children. She was a steady figure for seventy years of history. This documentary gives a look at the life of Queen Elizabeth II. *Recommended to show in a history class.*
Queen Elizabeth: A Life of Service - YouTube (49:48)
This documentary on the Queen has an old-school feel to it. Queen Elizabeth has reigned longer than any British Monarch (yes, this documentary came out during the Diamond Jubilee) and in sixty years she witnessed many changes to the world and to the royal family. Over her reign, she traveled over a million miles and made over 250 foreign visits. She strives to strengthen the ties among the Commonwealth Nations. So this is a documentary about the highs and lows of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. *NOT RECOMMENDED for research purposes or showing in a classroom.*
Queen Elizabeth and Britain's Leaders - YouTube (42:25)
Once a week, the British Prime Ministers are bound to meet the Queen. Details of these meetings have not been revealed. The Queen has met fourteen Prime Ministers during her reign. Even though she was at the heart of political life in England, the Queen followed a policy of silence. She never spoke about her politics or gave a politically charged opinion. This documentary talks about her relationship with the Prime Ministers. *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for research purposes and showing in the classroom.*
Elizabeth and Margaret: The Tale of Two Sisters - YouTube (43:56)
No two sisters were ever less alike. One sister was reserved and the other lively. One was the leader of the nation. The other was looking for purpose. They each had to carve a different path in life. Elizabeth and Margaret are among the most photographed women in history. However, what lies underneath the relationship between the two sisters? This documentary explores the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. *Recommended for research purposes and showing in a classroom.*
50 Glorious Year: A Royal Celebration - YouTube (49:28)
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip fell in love with Prince Philip when he was thirteen years old and they started exchanging letters. Eight years later they would marry and would be married in Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. They were one of the most glamorous couples at the time. They were married while rationing was taking place and the British public lapped up the joyful celebrations. So, what was their marriage like? *NOT RECOMMENDED for research purposes or showing in a classroom.*
A Very Royal Wedding - YouTube (47:54)
The royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip set the trend for royal weddings to come. It was something that the British had never seen before. This film looks at how their royal wedding was pulled off. It happened at a time when a nation needed a moral boost. So from the wedding dress to the bouquet and the flowers, one historian looks at how the state pulled off this royal wedding. It was the marriage of a beautiful princess and a dashing prince.
*Recommended for a fun history day.*
Trevor McDonald’s Queen and Country - YouTube (43:35)
Sir Trevor McDonald narrates the story of Queen Elizabeth II. He begins with the news that her father had died and that she was coming back to England as Queen. She was young when she became Queen. At the time she would not have dreamed of overseeing momentous changes in history. She would gain political and historical experience over seven decades. At the center of the story is the city of London. This story explores how London and Elizabeth II’s reign are tied together. *Not recommended for the classroom.*
Her Majesty the Queen: A Remarkable Life - YouTube (49:30)
In 1953 Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II. Over the years, her family took second place as she did her job. Royal weddings came and went. Royal homes went up in flames. Marriages were dissolved. Tragedy happened. She traveled around the world several times. She had duties to perform. A new woman appeared on the scene. This is the story of Queen Elizabeth II. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Reign Supreme: The Unauthorized Story of Queen Elizabeth II - YouTube (48:11)
Queen Elizabeth II is a symbol of stability and continuity in the United Kingdom. She has weathered the storms of life. She has witnessed the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At a young age, she was called on to lead an empire and served that empire. The work of the monarchy increased under her leadership. The monarchy evolved under her watch. *Recommended for research purposes and for a history classroom.*
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria: A Monarch Unveiled: Episode 1 (58:51) Episode 2 (58:52)
A.N. Wilson explores the life of Queen Victoria through the letters that survived over two episodes. The first episode shows what her childhood and married life were like. The second episode shows her as a widow. He paints a portrait of a monarch who laughed frequently, engaged in politics, and enjoyed life. Wilson’s portrayal of Queen Victoria shatters the myth of the widow in black. It is a fascinating look at the life of Queen Victoria through her surviving journals. *Highly recommended for a high school history class and independent study students.*
Queen Elizabeth II: 70 Years - YouTube (1:34:39)
Queen Elizabeth’s life was shaped by a life of service. As a princess, she never expected to be Queen. However, was thrust into the spotlight. This documentary highlights her life and her family and the three events that shaped her life. The Depression, the Abdication, and World War II. She trained as a mechanic during World War II. She would meet the love of her life and would raise four children. She was a steady figure for seventy years of history. This documentary gives a look at the life of Queen Elizabeth II. *Recommended to show in a history class.*
Queen Elizabeth: A Life of Service - YouTube (49:48)
This documentary on the Queen has an old-school feel to it. Queen Elizabeth has reigned longer than any British Monarch (yes, this documentary came out during the Diamond Jubilee) and in sixty years she witnessed many changes to the world and to the royal family. Over her reign, she traveled over a million miles and made over 250 foreign visits. She strives to strengthen the ties among the Commonwealth Nations. So this is a documentary about the highs and lows of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. *NOT RECOMMENDED for research purposes or showing in a classroom.*
Queen Elizabeth and Britain's Leaders - YouTube (42:25)
Once a week, the British Prime Ministers are bound to meet the Queen. Details of these meetings have not been revealed. The Queen has met fourteen Prime Ministers during her reign. Even though she was at the heart of political life in England, the Queen followed a policy of silence. She never spoke about her politics or gave a politically charged opinion. This documentary talks about her relationship with the Prime Ministers. *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for research purposes and showing in the classroom.*
Elizabeth and Margaret: The Tale of Two Sisters - YouTube (43:56)
No two sisters were ever less alike. One sister was reserved and the other lively. One was the leader of the nation. The other was looking for purpose. They each had to carve a different path in life. Elizabeth and Margaret are among the most photographed women in history. However, what lies underneath the relationship between the two sisters? This documentary explores the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. *Recommended for research purposes and showing in a classroom.*
50 Glorious Year: A Royal Celebration - YouTube (49:28)
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip fell in love with Prince Philip when he was thirteen years old and they started exchanging letters. Eight years later they would marry and would be married in Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. They were one of the most glamorous couples at the time. They were married while rationing was taking place and the British public lapped up the joyful celebrations. So, what was their marriage like? *NOT RECOMMENDED for research purposes or showing in a classroom.*
A Very Royal Wedding - YouTube (47:54)
The royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip set the trend for royal weddings to come. It was something that the British had never seen before. This film looks at how their royal wedding was pulled off. It happened at a time when a nation needed a moral boost. So from the wedding dress to the bouquet and the flowers, one historian looks at how the state pulled off this royal wedding. It was the marriage of a beautiful princess and a dashing prince.
*Recommended for a fun history day.*
Trevor McDonald’s Queen and Country - YouTube (43:35)
Sir Trevor McDonald narrates the story of Queen Elizabeth II. He begins with the news that her father had died and that she was coming back to England as Queen. She was young when she became Queen. At the time she would not have dreamed of overseeing momentous changes in history. She would gain political and historical experience over seven decades. At the center of the story is the city of London. This story explores how London and Elizabeth II’s reign are tied together. *Not recommended for the classroom.*
Her Majesty the Queen: A Remarkable Life - YouTube (49:30)
In 1953 Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II. Over the years, her family took second place as she did her job. Royal weddings came and went. Royal homes went up in flames. Marriages were dissolved. Tragedy happened. She traveled around the world several times. She had duties to perform. A new woman appeared on the scene. This is the story of Queen Elizabeth II. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Reign Supreme: The Unauthorized Story of Queen Elizabeth II - YouTube (48:11)
Queen Elizabeth II is a symbol of stability and continuity in the United Kingdom. She has weathered the storms of life. She has witnessed the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At a young age, she was called on to lead an empire and served that empire. The work of the monarchy increased under her leadership. The monarchy evolved under her watch. *Recommended for research purposes and for a history classroom.*
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria: A Monarch Unveiled: Episode 1 (58:51) Episode 2 (58:52)
A.N. Wilson explores the life of Queen Victoria through the letters that survived over two episodes. The first episode shows what her childhood and married life were like. The second episode shows her as a widow. He paints a portrait of a monarch who laughed frequently, engaged in politics, and enjoyed life. Wilson’s portrayal of Queen Victoria shatters the myth of the widow in black. It is a fascinating look at the life of Queen Victoria through her surviving journals. *Highly recommended for a high school history class and independent study students.*
Greeks
Princess Alice: The Queen's Mother-in-Law - YouTube (47:34)
Princess Alice was the mother of Prince Philip and the mother-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II. She was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria and was born Princess Alice. Her story begins when she is escaping an asylum. She is caught. Her family had locked her in the asylum. She was born a princess but turned her back on royal life. She had a strong personality. She overcame her mental illness and disability to become a hero of World War II. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Princess Alice: The Queen's Mother-in-Law - YouTube (47:34)
Princess Alice was the mother of Prince Philip and the mother-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II. She was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria and was born Princess Alice. Her story begins when she is escaping an asylum. She is caught. Her family had locked her in the asylum. She was born a princess but turned her back on royal life. She had a strong personality. She overcame her mental illness and disability to become a hero of World War II. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Asia
Kingdom of Bhutan - YouTube (50:33)
In Asia’s Monarchies: Bhutan, is the land of the thunder dragon. It is the symbol of Bhutan and is a Buddhist monarchy. Both the past and future come together. The King had given up absolute power and gave the people democracy. Each king had a crisis that they navigated carefully. Bhutan is ruled by the Wangchuck dynasty. It is an isolated kingdom known as the last Shangri-la. *Recommended for a geography and history class.*
Kingdom of Cambodia - YouTube (49:34)
Cambodia had a royal family, and the monarchy lasted over 1,000 years. Cambodian monarchs are elected by a National Assembly. The splendor of Angkor Wat looms over Cambodia. Both the King and Angkor Wat are symbol of the nation. The people also depend on the monarchy. King Sihanouk has had an interesting life. He was king, he was prince, he was prime minister, he was a film director and eventually became king again. What is the history of Cambodia and its kings? *Recommended for a geography and history class.*
Kingdom of Nepal - YouTube (49:31)
In 2008, the royal family of Nepal was ousted from power after 250 years of rule. They were forced from their palaces and sent into exile. Nepal was going to become a republic, even though he was loved by the people. The fall of the royal house was a story filled with bloodshed, betrayal, and intrigue. The transition from a monarchy to a republic was swift and would make people question the future of Nepal. *Recommended for a geography and history class.*
Kingdom of Brunei - YouTube (49:08)
The Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest men in the world. His wealth is primarily derived from oil and he shares the wealth with the population of Brunei. However, it is forbidden to discuss the sultan’s wealth. Brunei has had a sultan for over 600 years and the sultan’s power is absolute. It is one of six nations that have an absolute monarch. He is seen as a divine figure. It is a system that few Westerners can understand. So what is it about Brunei and its Sultan? *Not recommended for a history or geography classroom.*
Japanese Emperor - YouTube (53:05)
The Japanese Imperial Family is considered to be the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. Its roots date back to the sixth century BC. They were regarded as divine figures at least until the end of World War II. Still little is known about the Imperial Family and the press is kept at arm’s length. The role of the Imperial Family has come into question over the years. Some people would like to get rid of the emperor while others hold the emperor as a symbol of Japanese nationalism. *Recommended for a history and geography classroom.*
Burma's Lost Royals - YouTube (54:25)
The British Army invaded Burma in 1885 and deposed the King. The King ended up in exile where he died ending a thousand-year-old tradition of monarchy. The royal family vanished and Burma was plunged into civil war. The military established a dictatorship and ruled the country for decades. After a century of silence, the royal family is back in Burma and they are returning to Burma. This documentary was filmed over three years. *HIGHLY Recommended for a history and geography classroom.*
Kingdom of Bhutan - YouTube (50:33)
In Asia’s Monarchies: Bhutan, is the land of the thunder dragon. It is the symbol of Bhutan and is a Buddhist monarchy. Both the past and future come together. The King had given up absolute power and gave the people democracy. Each king had a crisis that they navigated carefully. Bhutan is ruled by the Wangchuck dynasty. It is an isolated kingdom known as the last Shangri-la. *Recommended for a geography and history class.*
Kingdom of Cambodia - YouTube (49:34)
Cambodia had a royal family, and the monarchy lasted over 1,000 years. Cambodian monarchs are elected by a National Assembly. The splendor of Angkor Wat looms over Cambodia. Both the King and Angkor Wat are symbol of the nation. The people also depend on the monarchy. King Sihanouk has had an interesting life. He was king, he was prince, he was prime minister, he was a film director and eventually became king again. What is the history of Cambodia and its kings? *Recommended for a geography and history class.*
Kingdom of Nepal - YouTube (49:31)
In 2008, the royal family of Nepal was ousted from power after 250 years of rule. They were forced from their palaces and sent into exile. Nepal was going to become a republic, even though he was loved by the people. The fall of the royal house was a story filled with bloodshed, betrayal, and intrigue. The transition from a monarchy to a republic was swift and would make people question the future of Nepal. *Recommended for a geography and history class.*
Kingdom of Brunei - YouTube (49:08)
The Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest men in the world. His wealth is primarily derived from oil and he shares the wealth with the population of Brunei. However, it is forbidden to discuss the sultan’s wealth. Brunei has had a sultan for over 600 years and the sultan’s power is absolute. It is one of six nations that have an absolute monarch. He is seen as a divine figure. It is a system that few Westerners can understand. So what is it about Brunei and its Sultan? *Not recommended for a history or geography classroom.*
Japanese Emperor - YouTube (53:05)
The Japanese Imperial Family is considered to be the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. Its roots date back to the sixth century BC. They were regarded as divine figures at least until the end of World War II. Still little is known about the Imperial Family and the press is kept at arm’s length. The role of the Imperial Family has come into question over the years. Some people would like to get rid of the emperor while others hold the emperor as a symbol of Japanese nationalism. *Recommended for a history and geography classroom.*
Burma's Lost Royals - YouTube (54:25)
The British Army invaded Burma in 1885 and deposed the King. The King ended up in exile where he died ending a thousand-year-old tradition of monarchy. The royal family vanished and Burma was plunged into civil war. The military established a dictatorship and ruled the country for decades. After a century of silence, the royal family is back in Burma and they are returning to Burma. This documentary was filmed over three years. *HIGHLY Recommended for a history and geography classroom.*
Other
The House of Grimaldi - YouTube (52:42)
The Prince’s Palace in Monaco is the seat of power for one of the world’s smallest states. It is as high as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Construction began in 1215 and was built on a high cliff. It was a stronghold on the Mediterranean. It was nearly demolished in a siege and was rebuilt. There are hundreds of tunnels underground. Historians are continuing to learn more about the palace. How did this palace become the seat of power for its rulers? *Recommended for a geography and history class.*
The House of Grimaldi - YouTube (52:42)
The Prince’s Palace in Monaco is the seat of power for one of the world’s smallest states. It is as high as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Construction began in 1215 and was built on a high cliff. It was a stronghold on the Mediterranean. It was nearly demolished in a siege and was rebuilt. There are hundreds of tunnels underground. Historians are continuing to learn more about the palace. How did this palace become the seat of power for its rulers? *Recommended for a geography and history class.*
Updated on April 13, 2023
