Watch A Royal Guide toâ€¦

TV-G
2022
2 Seasons

A Royal Guide to...is a fascinating documentary series from BBC Select that explores the secrets, traditions, and histories of the British royal family. Through a combination of expert interviews, archival footage, and intimate insights from members of the royal household, viewers are taken on a journey through five centuries of royal heritage.

Each episode of the series focuses on a specific aspect of royal life, such as the heir to the throne, royal births and christenings, royal residences, and the royal collection. While each episode tackles a different topic, they are all united by a common thread: they offer a rare glimpse into the highly guarded world of the British monarchy.

One of the standout features of A Royal Guide to...is its ability to provide context and perspective on the world of royalty. Whether exploring the philosophy of regal succession, or the meaning and symbolism of royal regalia, the show delves deep into the highly intricate world of royal customs and traditions, revealing the fascinating stories behind them.

Alongside the comprehensive insights, viewers get rare glimpses into the behind-the-scenes workings of the royal family. For example, the program explores the intense preparations required to welcome a new royal-born, from the elaborate security measures to the intricate organizational logistics of accommodating the press and public.

Perhaps one of the unique aspects of A Royal Guide to...is the way in which it seamlessly blends historical footage with modern-day interviews. The program features interviews with experts in the fields of history and architecture, as well as memoirs from royal employees, such as the Queen's dressmaker and Prince Charles' valet. These interviews add an entirely new dimension to what we see in the archival footage, giving an insight into the motivations and feelings of those at the heart of the royal family.

What makes the A Royal Guide to... such an exciting and thrilling watch is the way in which it uncovers hidden aspects of the royal family and its traditions. From the history of the royal collection to the symbolism of state banquets, viewers are treated to a rare look at the inner workings of a family that has captured the world's attention for centuries.

Overall, A Royal Guide to... is an absolute must-watch for anyone with an interest in British history, culture, and tradition. It's a fascinating, insightful, and comprehensive exploration of the world of royalty, and one that provides a unique glimpse into the world of the British monarchy.

A Royal Guide toâ€¦ is a series that ran for 2 seasons (14 episodes) between May 31, 2022 and on BBC Select

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8. Royal Wales

December 7, 2023

A country steeped in history and tradition, Wales's relationship with the British Royals has been somewhat rocky over the centuries, filled with bloody battles and oppression. Today however, as this engrossing documentary reveals, it's arguably in much better shape. After more than 50 years as the Prince of Wales, King Charles has cemented a vital link to the nation.

7. Royal Scotland

December 7, 2023

Arguably the true home of the British Royal Family, it's in Scotland that they really let their hair down. From family BBQ's and weekend hikes at Balmoral, to university love affairs and the Queen's final days, as this illuminating documentary reveals, it's the location for many key royal moments. But, as history repeatedly illustrates, it hasn't always been such a close relationship.

6. Christmas

December 7, 2023

The Christmas period for the royals is a spectacular affair. One filled with extravagant black-tie dinners, celebrity carol concerts and enormous festive trees. As this glorious documentary reveals, it was once a 12-day celebration filled with performances, jousting tournaments and even coronations. Today, the royal Christmas is much more like ours, if a little more opulent.

5. Funerals

December 7, 2023

Unlike many of us, the royals plan their own funerals from start to finish. More than 250,000 people saw the late Queen lying in state and two million lined the streets for Princess Diana's funeral. As this compelling documentary highlights, they are steeped in tradition, from who keeps guard over the royal bodies and where they are buried, to how the new monarch takes to the throne.

4. Armed Forces

December 7, 2023

The royals have always had a close relationship with the armed forces. After all, the King is their official head and recruits must swear an oath to the monarch. This fascinating documentary shows how many a monarch has led their army into battle, with Queen Elizabeth I doing so in a spectacular white dress. Today the military still plays a huge ceremonial role to the royals.

3. Parks & Gardens

October 7, 2023

Royal gardens are arguably the place where new monarchs can make their mark. Henry VIII's hunting grounds are now royal parks, King Charles transformed Highgrove into an award-winning green space and the late Queen reworked Victoria and Albert's Balmoral Estate. As this insightful documentary reveals, they act as a source of income, a place to relax and somewhere to host spectacular parties.

2. Animals

September 30, 2023

From the Queen's beloved racehorses to King Charles' animal memorial, the royals are big animal lovers. As this intriguing documentary shows, over the years dogs, cats, horses and even parrots have acted as constant, faithful royal companions. The Royal Menagerie at the Tower of London was once home to more than 60 species of animal, even a polar bear that fished in the Thames.

1. Parenting

September 23, 2023

Being born into royalty isn't always easy, and parenting the royal way isn't necessarily a piece of cake either. In a minefield of expectation and formality, this engaging documentary reveals how the royals find parenting balance. While modern-day royals all go to school, hundreds of years ago sword fighting and riding into battle were the only lessons they had planned out.

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Where to Watch A Royal Guide toâ€¦

A Royal Guide toâ€¦ is available for streaming on the BBC Select website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch A Royal Guide toâ€¦ on demand at Apple TV Channels and Prime Video.