Marking a century since the birth of the late Queen Elizabeth II, this documentary uses newly discovered photographs to chart the life and reign of Britain’s longest-serving monarch, revealing the Queen’s life in front of the camera in a whole new light.
Royal insiders reveal how Elizabeth II became a global icon, navigating the most challenging decades of her reign.From historic state visits to behind-the-scenes moments, the images show how she shaped the monarchy on the world stage.
The film introduces unseen photos of Elizabeth as a baby and toddler taken by royal photographers Marcus Adams, Dorothy Wilding and by Studio Lisa. Childhood friend Lady Anne Glenconner reveals a family photo album which has never been seen before, a real insight into Elizabeth as a young girl.
The abdication of her uncle The Duke of Windsor and her father becoming King is told with unseen photos including an insight into a private collection of the Princess on tour in South Africa. The film reveals a photo of Elizabeth and Margaret pulled out of the ashes in the Blitz in WWII.
Photos give an insight of behind the scenes at the Coronation followed by her first real challenge as Queen, the disaster in Aberfan in South Wales. Elizabeth was caught on camera by the first paparazzo, Ray Bellisario, unseen photos that were considered ‘shocking’. Bellisario photos are seen for the first time of a secret meeting of The Queen and her estranged uncle the Duke of Windsor, seeking reconciliation.
Other unseen photo stories include Princess Margaret, The Montreal Olympics where Princess Anne competed, behind the scenes of family life on The Royal Yacht Britannia, her ‘soft power relationship with American presidents Eisenhower and Reagan; her annus horribilis, the death of Diana, the Windsor castle fire; all told with unseen photos.
Her visit to Grenfell Tower and how she recalled her experience of the Blitz is told through unseen photos from the day of her visit.
