Watch Elizabeth & Margaret: Pride and Joy

Elizabeth & Margaret: Pride and Joy is a gripping documentary that explores the extraordinary bond between Queen Elizabeth II and her younger sister, Princess Margaret. Narrated by Ingrid Steward and Christopher Warwick, the film takes us on a fascinating journey through the lives of these two iconic figures and provides a unique insight into their personalities, their struggles, and their triumphs.

The documentary is structured into three parts, each one exploring a distinct period in the lives of Elizabeth and Margaret. The first part is dedicated to their childhood and youth, and we get to see rare footage of the two sisters playing together and growing up within the royal family. We also learn about their parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and how they shaped their daughters' upbringing.

The second part focuses on the early years of the Queen's reign, and we see how Elizabeth and Margaret coped with the huge changes that came with her ascension to the throne. It was during this time that Margaret began to establish herself as a style icon and became a prominent figure in the London social scene. However, we also see how this newfound freedom and popularity led to clashes with Elizabeth, who was struggling to balance her new responsibilities with her family life.

The final part takes us through the later years of Margaret's life up until her death in 2002. We learn about the Princess's battles with ill health and how Elizabeth remained a constant source of support throughout those difficult times. We also see how Margaret continued to capture the public's attention with her outspoken personality, but also how her actions sometimes caused controversy within the royal family.

What makes this documentary so compelling is the access we are given to intimate moments between Elizabeth and Margaret. Through personal letters, anecdotes, and interviews with friends and family, we get a sense of the deep affection the sisters had for each other, but also the tensions that inevitably arose from their different personalities and circumstances.

Ingrid Steward's and Christopher Warwick's narration is knowledgeable and sensitive, framing the story with the right amount of detail and analysis while also allowing the images and interviews to speak for themselves. The footage used is a combination of familiar public appearances and private moments that have never been seen before, giving us a glimpse into the world of the royal family behind the scenes.

One of the themes that emerges strongly in Elizabeth & Margaret: Pride and Joy is that of duty vs. personal happiness. Both sisters were expected to fulfill their roles as members of the royal family, but their desires and ambitions often clashed with their obligations. The film does not shy away from the emotional toll that this took on them and how it affected their relationship with each other and their families.

Overall, Elizabeth & Margaret: Pride and Joy is a touching tribute to two remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on British history. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the royal family, but also for those who appreciate a well-crafted, insightful documentary. It reminds us that despite their wealth and status, Elizabeth and Margaret were first and foremost human beings who experienced love, loss, and friendship like anyone else.

Elizabeth & Margaret: Pride and Joy is a 2022 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes.