The Queen Mother

2019•44m

Documentary

Wife, monarch and much-loved public figure: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was one of the most respected members of the British Royal family. But did her friendly image disguise something darker? This moving profile reveals the dramatic inside story of her life. The moments of pain and upheaval that defined her legacy. How did this woman, who didn’t aspire to be Queen, fulfill her destiny?

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Production

Blakeway Productions

Language

Status

Ended

First Aired

March 9, 2019

Last Aired

June 5, 2021

Networks

Where to Watch

Region US · Lang EN

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Seasons & Episodes

Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.

Season

The Reluctant Queen

Air date: 2019-03-09

The early years of The Queen Mother’s life are revealed in forensic detail, as she is suddenly thrust onto the throne, somewhat reluctantly, after the scandalous abdication of her brother-in-law Edward VIII. Almost immediately, the country was thrown into turmoil as Hitler’s rise threatens the stability of Europe and she and King George VI steer the country through the darkness of World War II.

The Lost Year

Air date: 2019-03-16

This episode looks into the difficult time faced by the Queen Mother following her husband George VI's death in February 1952. From this crisis year, which like 1936 had begun with death and disaster, she again emerged stronger and more determined to reclaim her position as a powerful matriarch in charge of the Windsor dynasty. She became queen-maker to her daughter Elizabeth, guardian of the traditional Windsor dynasty flame, and fiercely protective grandmother to the heir apparent, Prince Charles.