Life of Elizabeth II

Life of Elizabeth II

From the Queen's early years to her Diamond Jubilee

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Life of Elizabeth II
  • Elizabeth Is Queen

    This spectacular 1953 documentary, released in cinemas, records the events of Elizabeth II’s coronation day in glorious colour.

  • Royal Review

    This 1953 documentary short chronicles, in wonderful colour cinematography, the activities of Elizabeth II during the month of her coronation, including a trip to the Derby. Originally filmed in 3D, this is presented in 2D.

  • Welcome the Queen!

    The newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth II visits her Commonwealth realms aboard her beloved Britannia in an epic journey around the world. This vintage documentary from 1954 sees the globe-trotting monarch in Jamaica, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Gibraltar. From British P...

  • Drums for a Queen

    Journey with the Queen to West Africa through this wonderful 1961 documentary narrated by Anthony Quayle.

  • Royal Tour: Part One – West Indies

    The first of three marvellous films documenting the Royal Tour of the Commonwealth by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1953-54. In this part, they visit Jamaica. From British Pathé TV's Royalty Collection.

  • Royal Tour: Part Two – Fiji and Tonga

    The second of three marvellous documentaries chronicling the 1953-54 Royal Tour sees the Queen and Prince Philip explore the islands of Fiji and Tonga. From British Pathé TV's Royalty Collection.

  • Royal Tour: Part Three – New Zealand

    In the third and final part of this series documenting the 1953-54 Royal Tour of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visit the beautiful country of New Zealand.

  • Royal Tour of India

    The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh sail the royal yacht Britannia to India where they tour that ancient land followed by a British Pathé film crew, resulting in a classic 1961 documentary. From British Pathé TV's Royalty Collection.

  • The Queen's Diamond Decades - 1950s

    In 1952, the sudden death of King George VI changed Elizabeth’s life for ever. The monarch was just 25 when she came to the throne. Winston Churchill was her first prime minister. Britain was still bandaging its war wounds and the Coronation sparked the biggest party since VE Day.

  • The Queen's Diamond Decades - 1960s

    The arrival of the 1960s found Britain in an optimistic mood. Post-war austerity had given way to something of a consumer boom and the times were changing. The Royal Family was expanding fast. The Queen gave birth to Prince Andrew in 1960, ten years after Princess Anne. And Prince Edward was born...

  • The Queen's Diamond Decades - 1970s

    The Queen and Prince Philip celebrated 25 years of marriage, and their daughter, Princess Anne, wed fellow equestrian Mark Phillips. But the Troubles in Ireland spread to mainland Britain, strikes forced a three-day working week, and a fuel crisis sparked food shortages and mounting discontent ac...

  • The Queen's Diamond Decades - 1980s

    When the 80s began, there was one question on everybody’s lips: whom would Prince Charles, the world’s most eligible bachelor, take for a bride? We soon had our answer and Lady Diana Spencer became famous around the world. A politically charged decade ended with the exhilarating fall of the Berli...

  • The Queen's Diamond Decades - 1990s

    The 90s began joyously for the Queen, as she welcomed her 6th grandchild and prepared for her 40th year on the throne. But this decade, the monarchy endured some of its worst crises. Her Majesty proclaimed 1992 her "annus horribilis" as 3 of her children suffered marital breakdowns and Windsor Ca...

  • The Queen's Diamond Decades - Milennium

    The new millennium witnessed powerful events for Queen and country. The whole nation celebrated the 100th birthday of the Queen Mother in 2000. But the devastating events of 9/11 ushered in a dark new era, and London itself would be traumatised by terrorism. There was personal sorrow as the Queen...

  • The Queen's Diamond Decades - Jubilee

    From nationwide street parties to spectacular pomp and pageantry on the river Thames, millions turned out to thank Queen Elizabeth II for 60 years of selfless dedication.

  • A Day That Shook the World – Royals

    Including: Queen Victoria's funeral, Edward VIII abdicates, British Royal Family in crisis, Windsor Castle damaged by fire, the Prince and Princess separate, Princess of Wales dies in Paris car crash, funeral of Diana, and Charles and Camilla wed.

  • Princess Margaret: Her Real Life Story

    She was born in 1930 with intelligence, wealth, position and good looks. Prevented from marrying her first love Peter Townsend and forced to live in the shadow of her sister, Queen Elizabeth, Margaret was described as a "Princess without a vocation". This biography explores the reality behind the...

  • May Wedding

    Film about the marriage of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones. Narrated by Sir Michael Redgrave.