Vivienne Pettitt
Duke of Sussex: A Changed Man
If the Palace thought that 2023 would be a quieter year after the drama and tragedy of 2022 then the release of Prince Harry’s autobiography Spare has just about destroyed all hope. The book has caused international frenzy amongst the media and the public. Opinion was more divided than ever on whether Prince Harry should retain his royal titles. Though Harry and Meghan fled the royal family for a second chance at the private life they always wanted, the world refused to let them go quietly. Despite their escape, the media’s continued attention cased a barrage of headlines, flaring up rumour after scandalous rumour about the couple and the royal family. In order to set the record straight, they decided to tell their own side of the story, giving a tell-all series of interviews, podcasts and Netflix documentary series. But eclipsing all of the revelations shared previously, in January 2023 Harry released his controversial and much-anticipated autobiography, Spare.
Elizabeth & Philip: Eternally Yours
Queen Elizabeth The Second was the longest reigning monarch in British history. During her 70 years on the throne, Her Majesty has witnessed incredible change, and so did the nation she ruled over, but there was always a constant in her life: always by her side, Prince Philip was the man that offered her unconditional support and devotion. Through hardship and change, Elizabeth and Philip were inseparable for 73 years - their enduring love and unbreakable bond has been a staple of modern history.
A Princess at War
In the wake of his brothers abdication, King George VI, became king on May the 12th, 1937. This meant that his young daughter, Elizabeth, who was just 11 years old at the time - would one day succeed him as queen. 2 years later… WWII broke out. This set a tone for the monarchy going forward. The indomitable spirit of the Royal Family helped the people of the United Kingdom through their darkest times. Princess Elizabeth was only 13 years of age, when the outbreak of war occurred on September 3rd, 1939. King George VI died in 1952, only just 7 years after the end of WWII. Elizabeth was taught from such a young age, what a monarch should be about. She put in the forthright dedication just as much as her father did. The influence of her surroundings, and the very nature of her family, shaped her into becoming the longest-reigning monarch in all of British History.
Diana: Lasting Words of a Mother
When her marriage to the future king began to fall apart, Diana, Princess of Wales, began to separate herself from the confines of royal traditions, escaping the gilded cage, determined to use her influence for good. She focused on shining her spotlight upon those in need, particularly where their causes were sometimes deemed by others to be too difficult or controversial. As a mother, her energies were devoted to her boys, the most important part of her life, and she laid the foundations for them to grow into strong, resilient and kind young princes, instilling into them qualities that would help to shape a truly modern monarchy. In her actions, and in her words, Diana changed the workings of the British monarchy forever. Two decades after her death, William and Harry continue to fight to keep their mother’s memory alive. Join us as we look back at her lasting legacy and her impact on those she loved the most.
Working For the Windsors: The Butler and the Bodyguard
The Windsors. One of the most famous and most photographed families in the world, but what is it like to work behind palace doors? Join us as we discover first hand from those who have dedicated their lives to serving the royal family, what is it really like to work for the Windsors. Diana’s bodyguard, Ken Wharfe reveals what the Princess was really like, and shares amusing anecdotes of their time together. Grant Harrold, royal butler to Charles and Camilla, reveals the inner workings of royal residences and some of his favourite moments working for the royals.
The Late Queen's Husband
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history. Throughout Her Majesty’s life, she was surrounded by influential people that left their mark in time. During her reign, she has seen World Wars, presidential assassinations, moon landings, disasters and many other memorable events.
Secrets of Diana's Last Royal Christmas: 1991
December 1991. That fateful time of year. The family joins together to celebrate, following the great royal traditions. Diana must walk into the lions' den and be the mother her children need. But all is not well in the Windsor household. A storm which will change the course of history is on its way. Disenchanted by the royal mystique, and her incompatibilities with Prince Charles coming to light, piece by piece, after more than a decade together, their marriage began to fall apart. This is how it came to be Diana's last Christmas as the wife of the future King, and their last Christmas together as a family, uncovering the truth of a not so festive season, dogged by tension, discord and family arguments, a catalyst for the Queen's most disastrous and unfortunate year yet, her Annus Horribilis.
The Late Queen's Father
In our late Majesties’ stead, one doesn’t need to look far to find the influence of her father. A conscientious king who ruled, despite anxiety and public pressure. He carried his own burdens. As he carried Great Britain through the chaos of the second world war. Overcoming the Nazi regime, which threatened the freedom of the people. Never straying from the path of his duties…The reluctant yet headstrong Bertie. Known to us... As King George VI.
The Late Queen's Sister
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history. During her reign, she saw World Wars, presidential assassinations, moon landings, disasters and many other memorable events. The Queen outlived all those dearest to her, watching the world change with their passing. Her reign represented an enormous change for the country - in seventy years, Her Majesty remained the only constant. Throughout Her Majesty’s life, she was surrounded by influential people who left their mark in time, including her infamous younger sister, Princess Margaret. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, was very different from the Queen as she was commonly known as a rebellious royal. But despite their natural differences, Princess Margaret always had a close-knit relationship with the Queen throughout her reign. Follow the story of Princess Margaret, The Late Queen’s Sister.
Elizabeth and the Presidents
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She ascended to the throne, and was crowned Queen at the age of 27. During her 70-year reign, Her Majesty witnessed a record 14 U.S. Presidents walk through the White House doors. From the end of World War Two to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Elizabethan age saw great changes to American society. Some Presidents flourished. Others faltered in the face of division and uncertainty. But, Queen Elizabeth II remained a constant symbol of hope and duty, quietly watching history unfold from across the Atlantic. This is… Elizabeth and the Presidents.
Queen Elizabeth II: Before the Crown
George VI was said to have called Elizabeth his “pride” and Margaret his “joy.” Much of Princess Elizabeth’s lessons in life have been well taught by her father, who prepared Elizabeth to be queen as soon as he was coronated. It’s likely that this boost helped to inspire Elizabeth’s well-known loyalty and devotion to the United Kingdom.
Queen Camilla: Defiant
Her Majesty, Queen Camilla has faced a journey unparalleled in British history. From being the much-maligned ‘other woman’, caught in the heat of scandal, to a loved and accepted Queen consort. Over the years, Camilla has faced a savage attack from the tabloids as the world sided with Diana, Princess of Wales, in a troublesome series of media exposés. But against all odds, she finally emerged as the wife, companion and Queen to King Charles III. Charles declared that Camilla was a non-negotiable part of his life. So, against the advice and approval of the royal courtiers, they began the relationship that, in time, the world would come to accept. Camilla’s attitude has remained steadfast towards her husband and the life and responsibilities of her role as Duchess and, later, Queen.
The Late Queen's Mother
Queen Elizabeth II was a woman bound by her duty to the United Kingdom. As the longest-reigning monarch in British history, the late Queen put her own life on hold, ensuring she put country first, remaining the one constant in everyone’s life for over 70 years.
Charles: The Bachelor Prince
Prince Charles is the most eligible bachelor in the world. Determined to marry by the age of 30, and to continue the noble and ancient lineage through his own heirs. Millions await the marriage of the decade. His choice, a shy, beautiful and extraordinary young aristocrat, Lady Diana Spencer, would have the nation completely beguiled and besotted. To the outside world he had it all, the ultimate fairytale romance complete with blushing bride, but he longed for more. He was a sensitive young man, who had never really found his place in the tribe, he felt neglected and lonely, so how could he really know what love is? But did the Prince choose his bride for love, or for the nod of approval?