Watch Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King

Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King is a documentary film that delves into the life of Prince Philip, from his early years to his eventual marriage to Queen Elizabeth II. The show features rare interviews with historians and members of the royal family, and is hosted by Tamsin Greig.

The film opens with a brief history of the royal family, focusing on the abdication crisis of 1936, when King Edward VIII renounced the throne in order to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson. This event had a profound impact on the young Prince Philip, who was just a teenager at the time. The film explores his upbringing, his education, and his service in the Royal Navy during World War II.

The main focus of the film, however, is Prince Philip's courtship of Princess Elizabeth. The two first met when she was just 13 years old, and he was a dashing young naval officer. Over the years, they had several chance encounters, but it wasn't until after the war that their relationship really blossomed. Despite the opposition of some members of the royal family, who felt that Prince Philip was too brash and impetuous to be a suitable husband for the future queen, the couple eventually married in November of 1947.

The film also explores the controversy surrounding Prince Philip's nationality. Born on the Greek island of Corfu in 1921, he was a member of the Greek royal family until they were forced into exile when he was just a baby. He spent much of his childhood in France and Germany, and eventually became a naturalized British citizen in 1947, just months before his wedding to Princess Elizabeth. However, some members of the press and the public saw him as an outsider, and there were rumors that he was a Nazi sympathizer. The film explores these rumors in detail, and explains how they were largely unfounded.

Another interesting aspect of the film is the role that Prince Philip played in modernizing the royal family. When he first joined the family, he was frustrated by the rigid protocol and stuffy traditions that governed every aspect of royal life. He introduced a number of innovations, including broadcasting the Queen's Christmas message on television and allowing royal events to be covered by the media. He also championed environmental causes and was an early advocate for wildlife conservation.

Overall, Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King is an informative and engaging documentary that sheds light on the life and legacy of one of the most influential members of the British royal family. It offers a nuanced portrait of Prince Philip, exploring both his strengths and his weaknesses, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the political and social context of the time. Whether you are a fan of royal history or simply interested in learning more about one of the most fascinating personalities of the past century, this film is definitely worth your time.

Prince Philip: The Plot to Make a King is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on July 29, 2015.