The Queen at War is a documentary film from 2020 that examines the role of Queen Elizabeth II in Britain's efforts during World War II. The film features interviews with historians and those close to the Queen during the war, as well as archival footage and photographs. The film begins by introducing the young Princess Elizabeth, who was only 13 years old when Britain declared war on Germany in September 1939. The Queen's father, King George VI, gave a famous speech on the radio that day, and the film shows footage of Elizabeth and her younger sister Margaret listening to the speech in their nursery.
The Queen at War goes on to explore how the war affected the royal family, both personally and politically. The Queen's uncle, King Edward VIII, had abdicated the throne just a few years earlier, and the monarchy was still reeling from the scandal. The film suggests that the royal family saw the war as an opportunity to prove their loyalty to the nation and regain public trust.
As the war continued, the young Princess Elizabeth became more involved in public life. She joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she trained as a mechanic and driver. The film shows photographs of Elizabeth in uniform, and interviews with those who served alongside her.
The Queen at War also examines the role of Winston Churchill, who became Prime Minister in 1940. Churchill and the royal family had a complicated relationship, and the film suggests that the Queen often had to navigate the political waters carefully. Nonetheless, the Queen remained committed to her duties throughout the war, and visited troops and hospitals on a regular basis.
The film touches on some of the darker aspects of the war, including the Blitz and the Holocaust. The Queen's mother, Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother), visited bombed-out areas of London and spoke to survivors, while the Queen herself met with Holocaust survivors in 2015.
The Queen at War is a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in British history, and how one young princess played a small but important role in the country's war effort. The film is well-researched and engaging, with eye-catching visuals and insightful interviews. It provides a new perspective on the Queen's life and legacy, and is a must-see for anyone interested in British history.
The Queen at War is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.
