Queen Elizabeth II Honoured In New BBC Documentary: What We Know So Far
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14 minutes ago
Sir David Attenborough and Barack Obama are set to feature
Queen Elizabeth II is to be honoured in a new BBC documentary celebrating her life and legacy to mark what would have been her 100th birthday.
The special hour-long documentary is titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century. Using the Queen’s life as a prism through which to explore the wider change that Britain has experienced across the last century, from the Blitz to the 2012 Olympics, this new feature promises to be both historical and emotionally resonant.
Comprising ‘powerful’ archival material alongside new interviews with prominent figures, the film will demonstrate how the Queen remained an enduring symbol of stability during an era of rapid change.
Who Will Feature?
Viewers will get an intimate insight into the monarch through interviews with notable figures who share their personal memories of meeting the Queen first-hand. Interviewees will also touch upon their own reflections on the social and cultural shifts that have taken place during this period of transformation, bringing a fresh perspective on modern British history.
The range of voices featured will include broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, actresses Dame Helen Mirren and Dame Sheila Hancock, former US president Barack Obama, and Elizabeth’s daughter-in-law, Queen Camilla, among others.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign
Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne at the age of 25 following the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952. Her coronation came afterwards on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey.
The Queen died on 8 September 2022, aged 96, following a reign of 70 years in Balmoral Castle, Scotland. She remains the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
What Have The BBC Said?
Catherine Catton, the BBC’s head of factual entertainment and events, said: ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century explores the life of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II through the lens of a century of change and offers an important reflection on how modern Britain has been shaped.’
When Will It Be Released?
The Queen’s 100th birthday would have taken place on the 21 April, but the air date for the documentary is yet to be announced. It will be released on BBC One and iPlayer.
Queen’s Camilla’s BBC Documentary
The announcement comes following the news that Queen Camilla is set to appear in a BBC documentary later this year about the life-changing power of books.
Queen Camilla will reflect on her love of reading and how it stemmed from her late father Major Bruce Shand, who felt reading gave him strength during World War Two when he was held in a German prisoner-of-war camp. Today, she supports reading and literacy through her charity, the Reading Room, which celebrated its fifth anniversary on Wednesday 25 March with a literary reception at Clarence House.
Our Favourite Documentaries, TV Shows & Films About Queen Elizabeth II
Being The Queen (2020)
Drawing on a treasure trover of never-before-heard interview recordings from acquaintances, private secretaries and journalists who knew Her Majesty personally, alongside a series of archival footage and photos, this special from National Geographic provides an in-depth look at some of the most important, influential events in the British monarchy from the start of the Queen’s reign in 1952 up until her later years.
Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute (2016)
Made to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, this BBC documentary film is narrated by her own son and heir, the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles II. Alongside archival footage, the programme offers up an intimate look at the royal household through home videos shot by the Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The Crown (2016-2023)
Following the royal family from the death of Queen Elizabeth II’s father up until the meeting of Prince William and Kate Middleton, this fictionalised look at the royal household offers a more human perspective on the ever-stoic Queen.
A Royal Night Out (2015)
Based on true events, this film follows a young Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret as they sneak out of the palace to celebrate VE Days against their mother’s wishes. Meeting men and dancing round the streets of London, the royals were given the rare chance to play as ordinary citizens for the night.
The Queen (2006)
Starring Helen Mirren in the titular role, this film follows Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family in the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death in 1997. While the Queen attempts to treat the divorcée’s death as a private affair, Prince Charles and Prime Minister Tony Blair favour the public’s desire for an official expression of grief.
