Private Lives of the Monarchs

Watch Private Lives of the Monarchs

  • TV-14
  • 2017
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.0  (78)

Private Lives of the Monarchs is a documentary series that takes an intimate look at the lives of some of history's most famous and notorious monarchs. From their private loves and secret affairs to their most scandalous moments and political decisions, this show peels back the layers of history to reveal the humanity behind the crown.

The series features a team of experts and historians who guide audiences through the rich and complex lives of monarchs such as Henry VIII, Queen Victoria, and Elizabeth I. Historian and author Hallie Rubenhold provides insight into the private lives of the queens of England, while historian and museum curator Richard Banks shares his expertise on the Tudor dynasty. Dean Coach, a historian of the 19th century, focuses on the reign of Queen Victoria, and Tracy Borman, an expert on the Tudor era, provides a unique perspective on Henry VIII's reign.

Through a combination of expert commentary, stunning visuals, and reenactments, Private Lives of the Monarchs offers a fascinating glimpse into the private lives and public personas of these historical figures. Viewers are transported back in time to witness the extravagance of court life, experience the political machinations of ambitious monarchs, and uncover the scandals and secrets that rocked royal families.

The series highlights the extent to which monarchs' lives were shaped not only by their own choices and beliefs, but also by the context of their times. Whether exploring the religious tumult that defined Henry VIII's reign, the social upheavals of the Victorian era, or the intricacies of Elizabeth I's relationships with her advisors and suitors, Private Lives of the Monarchs provides a nuanced and immersive look at history.

One of the standout aspects of the show is its rich visual presentation. With stunning historical locations, sumptuous costumes, and detailed reenactments, each episode feels like a journey back in time. Historical imagery and artwork are used effectively to provide context and depth to the stories being told, while modern-day shots of key locations bring these centuries-old stories into the present.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to an array of fascinating stories and characters. From Henry VIII's doomed marriages to Elizabeth I's political savvy, each episode offers a unique perspective on a different monarch. At the same time, the show never loses sight of the broader historical context in which these monarchs lived and ruled.

One particularly interesting aspect of the series is its focus on the private lives of monarchs, which are often overshadowed by their more public actions and decisions. By highlighting the personal dramas and emotional complexities that shaped these individuals, Private Lives of the Monarchs offers a fresh and unique approach to historical storytelling.

Overall, Private Lives of the Monarchs is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, politics, or human nature. With its expert commentary, stunning visuals, and immersive storytelling, this series offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of some of history's most fascinating figures.

Private Lives of the Monarchs is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (11 episodes). The series first aired on November 20, 2017.

Private Lives of the Monarchs
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Al Capone
6. Al Capone
April 15, 2019
Dr Tracy Borman heads to Chicago to discover how Al Capone rose to infamy, from club bouncer to the most notorious gangster in history. She uncovers the two sides to his personality as the man who ordered deaths on a whim doted on his family. And reveals how his carefully curated public image gave birth to a legend.
Peter The Great
5. Peter The Great
April 8, 2019
Dr Tracy Borman travels to St Petersburg to reveal how Peter's unconventional childhood produced a very unconventional man - from the debauched drinking society that governed Russia, to his collection of oddities in the Kunstkamera - discovering how the enlightened yet brutal Peter dragged Russia into the modern age.
Hitler
4. Hitler
April 1, 2019
Dr Tracy Borman travels to Germany to uncover Adolf Hitler's abusive childhood and artistic aspirations. She reveals how he was shaped by the First World War and uncovers his relationships with much younger women, including his own niece, discovering how the personal motivations that came from his private life unleashed so much destruction.
Napoleon Bonaparte
3. Napoleon Bonaparte
March 25, 2019
Dr Tracy Borman travels to Paris to reveal Napoleon's relationships, from nervous first encounters with a prostitute, to his all-consuming love for Josephine, and visits their former home, Malmaison. She also visits the Palace of Fontainebleau to see Napoleon's throne room and reveal the secrets to his extraordinary success, and calamitous downfall.
Edward VIII
2. Edward VIII
March 18, 2019
Dr Tracy Borman explores Edward's childhood as he grappled with his overbearing father, reveals how the First World War saw him grow up in more ways than one, and his desire for married women. She also uncovers the truth about Edward's abdication of the throne, and Wallis' infidelity, and reveals how Edward was a fashion icon of the day, examining his clothes in Kensington Palace.
Princess Margaret
1. Princess Margaret
March 11, 2019
Dr Tracy Borman discovers the real reason the Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend came to an end, uncovers her disastrous marriage to the manipulative, unfaithful Lord Snowden, and discovers more about her love of music and devotion to duty, revealing a woman very different to the picture the press would have us believe.
Description
Where to Watch Private Lives of the Monarchs
Private Lives of the Monarchs is available for streaming on the Smithsonian Channel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Private Lives of the Monarchs on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 20, 2017
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (78)