Charles and Di: Once Upon a Time

"Charles and Di: Once Upon a Time" offers an in-depth look at the famously tumultuous marriage of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana. The show, presented by the renowned TLC network in 2011, brings together rare footage and exclusive interviews to provide the audience with a captivating insight into this iconic royal relationship.

The story begins with their first encounter, progressing through their whirlwind courtship to their enchanting royal wedding, followed by their public life together; highlighting both the joyous moments and challenging times. The period carefully examined stretches over the course of more than a decade, encapsulating extensive aspects of the duo's journey through matrimonial life, that was observed under the harsh glare of the public eye. The special primarily focuses on the period from 1980 when the couple met, until August 1997, when Princess Diana tragically lost her life in a car accident.

A major aspect quintessential to the charm of "Charles and Di: Once Upon a Time" is the recounting of the once upon a time love story that fascinated a global audience. Prince Charles, the resilient heir to the British throne, and Lady Diana Spencer, a young and shy school teacher, were the central characters in a fairy tale that was far from traditional. Their courtship and opulent marriage in 1981 was not just a pivotal royal event, but a historical spectacle televised to over 750 million viewers globally.

The story of Charles and Diana's relationship, as presented in the series, is sensitive, intimate, and also reflective of the harsh realities that came with leading a life in the limelight. It goes beyond the glitters and glamour of the fairy tale to explore the nuanced complexities of their relationship. It reveals how their fairytale persona was often at odds with their real lives, which were subjected to excessive press scrutiny and the inherent pressures that came along with royal responsibilities.

The narrative driven show offers audiences original footage from key moments in Charles and Diana's relationship. The viewers are gifted with back-stage passes to events that marked critical junctures in their relationship - the momentous proposal, the stunning wedding, the births of their two children, their first official trips as a couple, and the stirring interviews both Diana and Charles gave over the years. Alongside this, the show offers a copious amount of authentic photographs, personal letters, well-sourced anecdotes and candid interviews with those close to the couple.

While the documentary unwaveringly deals with the darker aspects of the couple's life - the cracks in their relationship, the infamous extramarital affairs and the shocking announcement of their separation - it also focuses on the charismatic and individualistic personalities of the two central characters. It gloriously presents Princess Diana, the People's princess, as an icon who courageously broke royal barriers with her unique approach towards her position, her charitable work and her warm interactions with the public. Concurrently, it explores Prince Charles's duty-bound life directive, and delves into the pressures he faced as the next in line for the throne and his ardent attempt to balance personal desires with public duty.

"Charles and Di: Once Upon a Time" serves as a poignant and riveting insight into one of the most globally followed royal relationships of modern times. From high-profile royal engagements to the heartbreaking private struggles of two individuals trying to reconcile their love under the harsh glare of the public lens, it leaves no stone unturned. The show simultaneously paints an honest picture of the personal grievances they faced, and the brave faces they put on for the world.

The series manifests as a chronological tribute to the late Princess Diana while shedding light on Prince Charles as a person and future monarch. It equally showcases the weighty impact of the pairs' life and actions on the monarchy, and the upheavals they triggered which continue to reverberate.

In the end, "Charles and Di: Once Upon a Time" plays out as not just another television documentary but a fascinating blend of fairy-tale romance, modern drama, historic events, and intimate human struggles. A must-watch for royal enthusiasts, history buffs, and those die-hard romantics who still cherish the hauntingly beautiful picture of a blushing Diana walking down the aisle towards her prince.