Inside Windsor Castle

Inside Windsor Castle is a captivating documentary series that premiered on the Smithsonian Channel in 2017. Known as a comprehensive historical biography of the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle to date, this series enthralls viewers with a detailed glimpse into the private lives of one of the world’s most illustrious families, the British monarchy.

Throughout the five riveting episodes, this 2017 series masterfully conjures a rich tapestry of Windsor Castle’s illustrious 1000-year history, navigating its magnificent hallways, secret chambers, and expansive grounds. Using a combination of dramatic reconstructions, gripping first-person accounts and remarkable archival footage, Inside Windsor Castle reveals the unfolding drama and intrigue that took place behind its stony facade.

Each episode of Inside Windsor Castle is dedicated to a different era of the castle, exploring the defining events that have shaped its history – from its origins in the 11th century to the present day. The series delves into tales of power struggle, romance and scandal, and momentous events – both tragic, such as the devastating fire of 1992, and jubilant, such as the many royal weddings and celebrations.

The journey begins with William the Conqueror who built the castle as a show of power, and then moves on to more recent times, sweeping elegantly through centuries filled with tales of complex political machinations, global conflicts and personal crises. One of the central figures the series pays attention to is Queen Elizabeth II. It navigates through her reign, depicting her early childhood, her struggle during World War II, the tragic death of her father King George VI, and her unexpected ascension to the throne.

Inside Windsor Castle brilliantly humanizes the monarchs and highlights their roles not only as figureheads of a nation but also as mothers, fathers, children and spouses. It presents them in a new light, setting aside their pomp and ceremony to focus on their personal experiences. The series also provides fascinating insight into the lives of the staff who have served within the castle’s walls, from the royal chefs and footmen to the governesses who educated future kings and queens.

Furthermore, highlighting the grandeur and the intricacies of Windsor Castle itself as a key character in this historical drama, the series presents the castle as a priceless embodiment of British history that has weathered countless wars, crises, celebrations, and royal dramas. Each room, corridor, and tower has a story to tell, and Inside Windsor Castle provides us with the privilege to hear those stories.

Inside Windsor Castle also includes exclusive interviews with royal insiders and historians that provide first-hand accounts and expert analyses, painting a comprehensive picture of royal life. This makes viewers feel as if they are walking alongside these historical figures, absorbed in a world that otherwise remains elusive and cloistered from the public eye.

With its access to rare and exclusive footage, the series sheds light on some of the less-known aspects of royal life, including the impact of the infamous Profumo affair, the challenging aftermath of Wallis Simpson's entrance into British royal life, and the role the castle played in fostering international diplomacy in the decades following the Second World War. It also provides exclusive insights into the Castle’s restoration efforts after the catastrophic fire in 1992.

Inside Windsor Castle is a masterfully crafted blend of in-depth research, engaging interviews, and breathtaking visuals. This series is not only a historical documentary but an intimate portrait that demystifies the royal lifestyle, and provides insight into the pressures, privileges, dramas, and routines that are inherent in living behind the castle's walls.

From its in-depth exploration of intricate historical events to its exclusive insights into the lives of the British monarchy, Inside Windsor Castle offers a rare and fascinating perspective to both dedicated royal enthusiasts and those discovering the rich history of Britain's monarchy for the first time. To appreciate and witness its thousand years of history, tune in to this remarkable documentary and embark on a captivating, and memorable journey through time.