Being the Queen

Being the Queen, which premiered in 2020, is a compelling biographical documentary produced by the National Geographic Channel. This one-episode, hour-long documentary throws light on the outstandingly rich and diverse life of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history. Seamlessly combining archival footage and deep insight from royal insiders and observers, the show ardently tracks and interprets Queen Elizabeth II's extraordinary journey as a royal figure.

Delving into the captivating life of Queen Elizabeth II, Being the Queen features unseen footage and unpublished documents, coupled with confidential interviews and personal accounts from the people closest to her. The show offers an unprecedented and intimate look into the Queen's public and personal roles, her reign, and the history she has lived through and influenced significantly.

A significant amount of the documentary’s content involves piecing together chronicles and stories of the Queen's life, stretching from her childhood to present times. An audience expecting a blow-by-blow account of her reign might be surprised by the up-close and personal approach the documentary takes towards the Queen's life.

Being the Queen goes behind the Queen's poised, composed public persona and covers her years growing up during the Second World War, her unexpected ascendency to the throne, her early reign, and the many trials and tribulations she has faced over her long reign. From her private relationships with her family to her public dealings with her government and people, every aspect is dissected with a rare intensity.

Special emphasis is also given to her relationships with significant figures in her life. Not just her immediate family, but also interactions with several prime ministers, leaders, and presidents, pointing towards the balance she has had to achieve between her personal values and the constitutional mandates she is obliged to follow.

Even though Being the Queen is a documentary about Queen Elizabeth II's life, it goes beyond the simplistic representation of courtly life and political events surrounding her. The show extensively covers and dissects the intricate duties, responsibilities, and tasks that come along with the crown and the expectations that the world has placed on the Queen's shoulders. The viewers are guided through the subtle interpretations of how the Queen's role has transformed in the face of society's evolution, continental shifts, generational changes, and unfortunate crises.

The documentary adopts a balanced view of Queen Elizabeth II's life, neither overly criticizing nor excessively glorifying her. It seeks to explain her actions and decisions in the backdrop of the circumstances surrounding them, providing a nuanced perspective to those familiar with her reign and an enlightening narrative for younger viewers learning about her for the first time. It pays homage to her standing as a powerful figure, the embodiment of continuity, tradition and stability; yet also acknowledges the ever-evolving role she has had to adopt in the face of changing times.

Sequences in the documentary involve both richly historical and deeply personal moments. The extensive archives that this documentary possesses allows the audience to peek at tender moments of the Queen as a mother, sister, wife, and grandmother. The role of her husband, Prince Philip, and their relationship which has been a rock in her life is beautifully chronicled. One of the documentary's many subtle arcs is Queen Elizabeth's tireless work, her commitment to duty and her country, with a touch of her humor and human moments which often remain behind the curtains of her royal duties.

Being the Queen is an insightful exploration of Queen Elizabeth II's rich and diverse life. It embodies an excellent blend of the historical, political, and personal, offering viewers a chance to understand this accomplished, powerful figure who has been a constant in an ever-changing world. It makes for a compelling watch to keen followers of royal history and casual viewers interested in understanding the life of one of the world's most recognized figures.