Being the Queen: Peek Behind the Royal Curtain with this New Documentary Film
In November 2020, more than 25,000 days into her epic reign, National Geographic will première the sweeping documentary, Being the Queen. Providing a captivating window into the extremely private life of Queen Elizabeth II, the film is sure to get royal fans excited. While younger members of the British royal family are covered a lot more in the modern press, an air of mystery still surrounds her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This exciting new film offers new insight into the life of the long-reigning queen with rare footage and photographs.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was raised in luxurious obscurity as a member of the royal family, but after her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in 1936, her life was forever changed when her father, King George VI took the throne. Following his shocking, sudden death, Elizabeth immediately assumed monarchy responsibilities and formally began her reign as Queen Elizabeth II, in June 1953, at the young age of 27.
Having pledged her service to the Commonwealth and devoted her life to the Crown, now, nearly 70 years later, Her Majesty The Queen is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the longest-reigning queen in world history. She has been in the public eye for decades, but there are still stories of Queen Elizabeth II’s life that have remained sealed behind Buckingham Palace doors … until now.
Providing a captivating window into the extremely private life of Queen Elizabeth II, the film focuses on important moments when the hidden side of the House of Windsor collides with the public life of the monarchy. Told through an incredible array of archival material, viewers will be immersed in Her Majesty’s life and feel as though they, too, are members of her inner circle with unique access into her life.
Airing globally in 172 countries and 43 languages, the film is executive produced and directed by acclaimed Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Tom Jennings (“Apollo: Missions to the Moon,” “Diana: In Her Own Words”), who delivers his signature style of first-person storytelling to create a gripping account of the Queen’s personal life.
“I have gained exclusive access to untapped archives while piecing together the complete story of Queen Elizabeth II, which is most often underscored by love and marriage — from abdication, Princess Margaret, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and Prince William and Harry,” says executive producer and director Jennings. “It is my hope that when viewers witness the personal moments as The Queen leads her people through pivotal, historic occasions, they have a clear picture of the Monarch’s many fortunes and the struggles that shook her dynasty.”
The film sifts through thousands of rare photographs and hundreds of hours of footage to showcase a treasure trove of intimate, rare and never-before-seen or heard accounts of Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne and puts viewers in the room during some of the most important and trying events of British monarchy history.
The film utilises archival sources from around the world, such as British Movietone, Reuters, the BBC, ITN and ITV, and includes never-before-heard interviews, unheard audio, never-before-seen home movies, rare radio broadcasts, and rare photographs.
Produced by 1895 Films for National Geographic, Being the Queen is a not-to-be-missed film for any fan of the British royal family.
The one-hour documentary airs on Sunday 15 November 2020 on National Geographic (DStv channel 181).