Watch Backstairs Billy: The Queen Mum's Butler

Backstairs Billy: The Queen Mum's Butler is a documentary miniseries that first aired on Channel 4 in 2009. The show follows the life and work of William Tallon, also known as "Backstairs Billy," who served as a butler to the British royal family for more than fifty years.

The first episode introduces viewers to Tallon, who started his career in Buckingham Palace when he was just fifteen years old. Over the years, he worked his way up to become the butler to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who was one of the most beloved members of the royal family and a close confidante of Tallon.

The show explores Tallon's daily routines and responsibilities, which included overseeing the housekeeping staff, making sure the royal residences were well-stocked with everything from champagne to toilet paper, and attending to the Queen Mother's personal needs. Tallon was known for his attention to detail and his ability to anticipate the needs of his employers, and the show highlights some of the ways he went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their comfort and happiness.

Backstairs Billy: The Queen Mum's Butler also includes interviews with Tallon's friends and colleagues, who share their memories of working with him and the ways in which his presence was felt throughout the royal households. Archival footage and photographs are used to illustrate some of the key moments in Tallon's life and career, and the show provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the British monarchy.

One of the things that sets Backstairs Billy: The Queen Mum's Butler apart from other documentaries about the royal family is its focus on the staff who work behind the scenes. Tallon and his colleagues were an essential part of the royal household, and the show sheds light on the often-overlooked work that goes into maintaining the grandeur and glamour of the monarchy.

The second episode of the series delves deeper into Tallon's personal life, exploring his relationships with his family and friends outside of Buckingham Palace. The show reveals that Tallon was a closeted gay man who had to keep his sexuality a secret throughout his career, and it explores the ways in which this impacted his personal and professional life.

Despite the challenges he faced, however, Tallon remained fiercely loyal to the Queen Mother, and the show documents their close relationship up until her death in 2002. It is clear from the interviews with Tallon's colleagues that his contributions to her life were deeply appreciated, and the show reinforces the idea that the support staff who work for the royal family are an essential part of their success.

Overall, Backstairs Billy: The Queen Mum's Butler is a fascinating exploration of the life and work of a man who was integral to the functioning of the British monarchy for over fifty years. The documentary offers a unique perspective on the royal family, highlighting the role of the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure their success. The show is well-researched and expertly produced, making it a must-watch for anyone with an interest in the history of the British monarchy or the lives of the people who serve them.