8 Documentaries on Netflix That Will Forever Change the Way You See the Royals
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If you think history is boring, then clearly you haven't been studying the history of the royal family. From the many doomed wives of Henry VIII to the controversial death of Princess Diana, royal history is as old as Great Britain's many palaces and just as fascinating to explore, and — rather than reading about it in a book — you can learn about the history through the many awesome royal documentaries available to stream on Netflix. Whether your interest lies with the royals of the past or the royals of today, here are all of the fascinating documentaries you can stream right now.
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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.
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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.
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Secrets of Henry VIII's Palace
King Henry VIII might be best known for his six ill-fated wives, but this documentary instead focuses on the unusual and decadent 500-year-old palace of the hedonistic monarch, Hampton Court, telling the stories of all the beautiful art and history contained in the palace, as well as the king who occupied it.
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Secrets of Althorp: The Spencers
If you've always wanted to know more about Princess Diana's family, the Spencers, then you'll love this documentary, in which Diana's brother Charles, the ninth Earl of Spencer, gives viewers a tour of Althorp, the grand estate where Diana grew up and now rests (as well as where 19 centuries of Spencers have lived for more than 500 years).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Secrets of Great British Castles
Spanning two seasons and 12 episodes, this docuseries follows historian Dan Jones as he explores some the most famous castles of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, telling the stories and secrets of the royal families who occupied each fortress.