The Story of the Royals

ABC's The Story of the Royals is a grand spectacle that provides an in-depth look into the intriguing lives of the British Royal family. Broadcasted in 2018, this comprehensive and captivating series is filled with fascinating narratives that unravel what royal life is really about and how it has shaped the history of Great Britain.

The Story of the Royals is an enlightening exploration into the Windsors' lineage, laying bare complexities and intricacies spanning generations. Regal from inception, the four-hour television event dazzles with historical facts, unknown anecdotes, and compelling narratives of triumphs, trials, and tribulations. Much more than a television documentary, The Story of the Royals is a masterfully woven tapestry of a family that, for over a century, has captured the imagination of people across the globe.

The series begins by painting a vivid picture of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II - a rule that has been characterized by not only its longevity but also its significant milestone achievements. Varying perspectives on the Queen's life, leadership, and legacy are shared, offering viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the life of the world's oldest reigning monarch. The program paints a comprehensive portrait of the Queen, showing how she deftly performed her duties despite the changing times and challenging public sentiments.

Further expanding its narrative landscape, The Story of the Royals moves from Queen Elizabeth II to delve into the nuanced lives of the high-profile monarchs before her – such as King George VI and King Edward VIII – and then treks forward to the alleged future kings, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince George. The documentary showcases how the British monarchy has evolved over the years to better fit the narrative of the present day.

Apart from royal pedigree, The Story of the Royals showcases our fascination with the monarch's associations, focusing significantly on the captivating marriages within the royal family. From the Queen's harmonious union with Prince Philip to the photogenic romance of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, and from the globally celebrated wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the controversial marriage (and subsequent divorce) of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the series covers it all.

The program is fueled by interviews with renowned historians, correspondents, and other notable figures – each sharing expert opinions and personal perspectives on the royal family. Contributors like Sir David Jason, Andrew Morton, Alastair Bruce, India Hicks, and Victoria Arbiter add their knowledge and understanding, painting an intricate image of the monarchy’s timelines and trials. The Story of the Royals thus becomes a vital historical and cultural document of the monarchy's evolving role in a democratic society.

The Story of the Royals excels in presenting a balanced view of the monarchy, seamlessly blending the stories of devotion, duty, and love with those of scandal, tragedy, and controversy. It humanizes the royal figures highlighting them not just as monarchs and rulers, but as family members, parents, children, and more importantly, as individuals with the same joys, sorrows, and challenges as anyone else.

Scrupulous attention is paid to ensure the documentary captures the sheer grandeur and richness of the royal lifestyles. Be it palace aesthetics, royal ceremonies, or luxurious fashion, everything is brilliantly showcased to give viewers a vicarious experience of royal grandeur.

The visual format of The Story of the Royals effectively uses archive footage, historical photos, and graphic animations along with the narrative thread, making the series accessible and engaging.

For viewers interested in history, monarchy, politics, or just riveted by royal intrigue, The Story of the Royals offers an unmissable journey into the personal and political lives of the world's most famous family. It's a program that highlights the chronicles of a resilient monarchy that has managed to evolve, adapt, and survive in a rapidly changing world. To sum up, The Story of the Royals is an edifying, entertaining, and insightful excursion that should not be missed.