From ‘The Queen’ to ‘The Crown’, five productions that brought the life of Queen Elizabeth II to the screen
The late monarch was not meant to inherit the throne. His fate was marked in 1936 after his uncle, King Edward VII, abdicated voluntarily and his brother, King George VI, took over royal duties.
The story of George VI may sound familiar to some moviegoers. His ascension to the throne and surrounding events were recreated in “The King’s Speech” (2010).
The film starred Colin Firth, who played King George VI. Helena Bonham Carter played the Queen Mother, Elizabeth, and Freya Wilson played Princess Elizabeth, who years later would become Queen Elizabeth II.
The film won four Oscars.
“The King’s Speech” is currently available on Starz and streaming on Hulu.
‘The crown’
Based on historical events, the popular Netflix series, which premiered in 2016, focuses on the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
The series captures one of the defining moments of his reign, the promise of a lifetime of service to the British crown delivered in a speech during his 21st birthday speech.
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether long or short, will be devoted to your service and to the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong,” the late Queen said.
The series has won several Golden Globe and Emmy awards.
“A Royal Evening”
“A Royal Night Out” (2015) follows Princess Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, on VE Day on May 8, 1945.
According to the film, the princesses left Buckingham Palace that night to celebrate the end of World War II.
“It’s a true story that intrigues everyone. But we don’t know exactly what happened. It’s a little fantasy inspired by this true story,” the film’s director, Julian Jarrold, said on the official site of the production.
The film stars Sarah Gadon (Princess Elizabeth) and Bel Powley (Princess Margaret). Rupert Everett and Emily Watson play King George VI and the Queen Mother.
The film is available on Prime Video, Paramount+ or Hulu.
‘The Queen’
It is perhaps one of the most iconic films that brought the life of Queen Elizabeth II to the big screen.
The production, which hit theaters in 2006, stars Helen Mirren, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of the monarch.
The story recounts the moments following Princess Diana’s death and shows how the British Crown initially handled the news. The film illustrates how British Prime Minister Tony Blair worked to bring the monarchy closer to its people.
In addition to the Oscar, the film won two BAFTAs and two Golden Globes.
“The Queen” is available on HBO Max and Hulu.
“Elizabeth at 90: a family tribute”
Every stage of Queen Elizabeth II’s life has been documented. In this BBC documentary, the British royal family pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on her 90th birthday.
According to the BBC, director John Bridcut had privileged access to the Queen’s collection of personal recordings.
The videos, never seen before the premiere of this documentary, were recorded by the Queen herself and her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince William and Prince Harry are part of the production. King Charles III and his sister, Princess Royal Anne, are among other royalty who are also taking part in the documentary.
You can stream the documentary on BBC One, Plex and FuboTV.
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