Watch Elizabeth & Margaret - A Tale of Two Sisters

Elizabeth & Margaret - A Tale of Two Sisters is a British television documentary that tells the story of the unique and complicated relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her younger sister, Princess Margaret, spanning over seven decades. The documentary features interviews with experts, historians, and those who have had personal relationships with the sisters. It also includes archive footage, diaries, and letters to provide an intimate and revealing look into the lives of the two most famous sisters in the world.

The film is truly an intimate portrait of these two royal sisters, with much of the story told through their own words. It explores the relationship between the sisters from their early childhood, when Elizabeth was born in 1926 and Margaret in 1930, to the present day. The documentary begins with a look at their early years growing up in the shadow of their uncle, King Edward VIII, before he abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. It then moves on to their experience during World War II, when the young princesses were evacuated to Windsor Castle for their safety.

The documentary also delves into the unique circumstances that set Elizabeth and Margaret apart from their peers. As the future queen, Elizabeth was given a very strict and formal upbringing, while Margaret was more free-spirited and adventurous. This aspect of their personalities led to a complicated relationship between the two sisters, with Margaret often feeling overshadowed by Elizabeth's royal duties.

As the sisters grew older, their roles in the royal family became even more pronounced. Elizabeth became queen in 1952, while Margaret remained in her shadow, struggling to find her place in the world. The documentary explores Margaret's various exploits and her relationship with Peter Townsend, a man she fell in love with but was not able to marry due to his divorces.

The documentary also provides a glimpse into the sisters' personal lives outside of their royal duties. It delves into Elizabeth's marriage to Prince Philip, their children, and her hobbies, such as horse racing. Meanwhile, Margaret's life was one of glamour and excess, with a love of parties and celebrity friends.

Throughout the film, we see how the sisters' relationship ebbed and flowed over the decades. There were moments of great warmth and love, but also moments of tension and rivalry. The documentary also delves into the infamous leaked telephone conversation between Margaret and her former lover, Roddy Llewellyn, which added to the already difficult relationship between Elizabeth and Margaret.

Overall, Elizabeth & Margaret - A Tale of Two Sisters is a fascinating and in-depth look into the lives of these two royal sisters. The documentary provides a nuanced and intimate portrayal of their complicated relationship, one that was greatly affected by their unique circumstances and personalities. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in British history, the royal family, or just a compelling story about the relationship between sisters.