Netflix's epic royal drama series, The Crown [1], is so dedicated to accuracy — thanks to writer Peter Morgan — that it's difficult to remember sometimes that the cast is made up of actors rather than real royals. (The portrayal of King George VI's last days [2] before he dies of lung cancer, for instance? Totally on point.) However, as much ground as the series covers, there's still plenty more royal history to be learned for real royal junkies. While we anxiously wait for the season three [3] premiere date to be announced, here's some fascinating royal documentaries you can watch in the meantime.
Princes of the Palace
Including exclusive interviews with royal biographers and commentators, this documentary is the first to capture the lives and responsibilities of the current four generations of British royal princes: Philip, Charles, William, Harry, and George.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [5]
The Majestic Life of Queen Elizabeth II
Created back in 2013 during the queen's Diamond Celebration, this documentary offers rare archival footage following the epic 60-year reign of Queen Elizabeth, starting with the death of her father, King George VI, and concluding with the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [6]
Diana: In Her Own Words
This 2017 documentary revolves around the beloved princess herself, including actual never-before-heard recordings from the late Diana, Princess of Wales (which were originally made for the biography written by Andrew Morton), discussing her doomed marriage to Prince Charles and other aspects of her personal life.
Where to watch: Netflix [7]
The Queen Mother: A Royal Century
If you only know the Queen Mother as the woman who gave birth to Queen Elizabeth II, then you need to check out this documentary, which offers a comprehensive portraits of the revered figure whose popularity was only later matched by her daughter.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [8]
Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King
If you've always been curious about how Prince Philip of Greece ended up becoming the husband of the most powerful woman in the United Kingdom, this scandalous documentary follows Philip's transformation from Greek-Germanic sailor to Duke of Edinburgh, thanks to some assistance from his sneaky uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [9]
Diana: The Royal Truth
Created by Paul Burrell, a former servant of the British royal household and Diana's trusted confidant, this documentary serves as both a loving tribute and intimate glimpse into the tumultuous life of Princess Diana.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [10]
Keeping It in the Royal Family
You may not know the name Leopold I of Belgium, but you should, as he's the man who masterminded marriage policies between all of the major European monarchies, and this fascinating documentary examines his legacy, as well as all of the genealogical connections still in existence.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [11]
The Royals
Rather than just focusing on the history of the royal family, this six-episode docuseries explores all facets of royal life, giving viewers an inside look at everything from the grandeur of the royals' lifestyle to the many scandals of the family, featuring never-before-heard interviews with those closest to the royals.
Where to watch: Netflix [12]
Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute
Perfect for admirers of Queen Elizabeth II, this sweet documentary pays tribute to the queen on the eve of her 90th birthday, combining personal insights and anecdotes of the queen from members of the royal family with rare home movie footage.
Where to watch: Netflix [13]
The Queen Mother: 100 Years in 100 Minutes
Because one documentary about the Queen Mother is just not enough to encapsulate a century, this doc goes beyond the public figure to examine the private life of the queen, including her love for her family, her support of the monarchy, her reaction to the abdication crisis, her dislike for Princess Diana, and her extravagant lifestyle.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [14]
Diana: 7 Days That Shook the World
Rather than the life of Princess Diana, this documentary revolves around her death, starting from the tragic and controversial car accident that killed the princess in 1997 and the outpouring of grief (and private mourning of the royal family) that followed in the week leading up to her funeral.
Where to watch: Netflix [15]
Bertie and Elizabeth
We know the love story of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip [16], but what about her parents? Produced two months after the death of the Queen Mother, this documentary examines the relationship of King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, from their very first meeting up until the king's death in 1952.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [17]
The Royal House of Windsor
Though admittedly dry, this thorough six-episode docuseries — which follows the history of Britain's ruling dynasty, the Windsors, from King George V and the outbreak of World War II through today — is perfect for history buffs or anyone who can't get enough of the royal family.
Where to watch: Netflix [18]
Whatever Happened to the Windsors?
Believe it or not, King George VI wasn't meant to be king. This documentary tells the story of the twist of fate that landed George on the throne after his older brother, King Edward VIII, met divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson and gave up the crown for love.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [19]
The Queen's Coronation
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II may have looked to outsiders like a glamorous and triumphant event for England's House of Windsor, but this documentary works to reveal the jealousy, rivalry, and clash between traditionalism and modernism that was taking place behind the scenes.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [20]